In 2022,BretreleasedSongs Without Jokes, his well-received solo debut forSub Pop. His new album,Freak Out City, is a fresh collection of songs he developed while performing live across New Zealand and the United States with his eight-piece bandThe State Highway Wonders. The influence of his musical heroes Harry Nilsson and Randy Newman resonates again on this record, where Bret playfully weaves humour and heart into his songs.Recorded in both Los Angeles and New Zealand, the album was co-produced by Bret and his long-time collaborator,Mickey Petralia. It was also mixed byMichael Harrisat East West Studios and mastered byRuairi OFlahertyat Nomograph Mastering in Los Angeles. The musicians on the record are a mix of LA-based playersLeland Sklar, Dean Parks, Drew Erickson, Chris Casw