Playing for the Soul: Always Jim Turns Grief into Indie-Gold with “WONDER WORLD”

There’s a rare shift that happens when a musician stops trying to impress the back of the room and starts playing for the person they lost. For Paul Kostromin, the man behind Always Jim, music has moved past being a career choice. It’s become a living, breathing tribute.

With his latest single, “WONDER WORLD,” Always Jim isn’t just dropping another indie-pop track; he’s sharing a piece of a much larger story.

More Than a Moniker

The name “Always Jim” carries a heavy history. It’s a nod to Kostromin’s late best friends, Scotty and Bruce. It’s a reminder that while people leave, the influence they had stays behind. That’s the engine driving this project—a sense of loyalty that translates into some of the most authentic indie-rock we’ve heard this year.

Instead of the standard solo-artist route, Kostromin operates like a conductor. He brings in a rotating cast of elite session players, blending high-level technical skill with the raw, unpolished emotion of his own songwriting.

The Sound of “WONDER WORLD”

Following a marathon session in the studio, “WONDER WORLD” stands out as the crown jewel of Kostromin’s recent work. It’s got that signature Always Jim DNA: sharp, driving melodies paired with lyrics that actually have something to say.

• The Vibe: It’s big, cinematic indie-rock that doesn’t lose its intimacy.

• The Craft: You can hear the multi-instrumentalist in Kostromin here—every layer feels intentional, from the floor to the ceiling.

• The Message: It’s about the “busy season” of life and the beauty that comes from finally letting those stories out into the air.

“This project stands as a tribute,” Kostromin explains. “It’s been a busy season of creation, and I’m so proud to finally share these stories with the world.”

Why Always Jim is Cutting Through the Noise

In a landscape of bedroom pop and over-processed tracks, Always Jim feels grounded. It’s “collaborative indie-rock” in its truest form—real instruments, real grief, and real celebration. Paul Kostromin has managed to take the weight of a eulogy and turn it into a powerhouse of a sound that feels both triumphant and deeply personal.

“WONDER WORLD” is out now. Whether you’re looking for a new addition to your driving playlist or a song that actually makes you feel something, this is the one.

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