It’s been three long years since Brett Eldredge has recorded new music, but don’t think one of country’s most soulful crooners had to shake off any cobwebs when he finally returned to the studio.
“I stepped into that booth, and the first song, we nailed it — one pass,” the 34-year-old hitmaker tells PEOPLE exclusively. “It was the most excited I think I’ve felt in a long time.”
Fans can share Eldredge’s excitement on Friday when that song, “Gabrielle,” becomes the lead-off single for his much-anticipated album. Entitled Sunday Drive, it’s due out July 10.
Eldredge says he’s been filling his days with self-care: meditating, journaling, going on hikes with his beloved Weimaraner-Vizsla mix, Edgar, and most of all, connecting with friends and family. He allowed himself a brief quarantine break to celebrate his 34th birthday with his older brother and sister-in-law, just married in November. And he took the time to sit down and write his high school English teacher an email of appreciation for his influence.
“When you’re able to feel that sense of gratitude,” Eldredge says, “it only makes you appreciate that — even when you’re in a tough moment — you have a lot.”
Eldredge says he’s been using his phone a lot, but for conversation, not playtime. He’s back to using a smart phone, but it now limits him on the apps he calls his “time-wasters,” forcing him to be more intentional.
Life, he says he’s learned, is all about connection. So is music, he’s discovered.
“When I learned that connection was everything — and I’m still working on that — that’s where the music started to really connect,” he says. “You gotta connect with yourself first, and then get that self-awareness. All we’re put here on this earth to do is connect with each other and help each other through. That’s where this music really started to shine through, and I can’t wait for people to feel that connection.”
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