Father John Misty releases new single The Payoff

Father John Misty released The Payoff on May 7 via Sub Pop, giving Josh Tillman his second new song of 2026 after The Old Law.

There is no confirmed word yet on whether The Payoff belongs to a forthcoming album or stands alone, which makes the single feel a little mysterious. That uncertainty suits Father John Misty well.

Musically, the song has been described as lush and psych-rock-leaning, which fits the grander side of the Father John Misty universe. The title also carries classic Tillman ambiguity.

For indie music coverage, the release is valuable because it is both immediate and open-ended. Fans get a new song now, while writers and listeners can speculate about whether a larger project is forming.