Brittany Howard on Alabama Shakes’ Reunion, I Must Be Dreaming, and Finding Hope in a Fractured World: Podcast
The singer talks about rediscovering the band, pushing through fear to write new music, and why anger gives her hope for what comes next. Brittany Howard on Alabama Shakes’ Reunion, I Must Be Dreaming, and Finding Hope in a Fractured World: Podcast Kyle Meredith
After a decade-long hiatus, Alabama Shakes is making a triumphant return. In a recent podcast interview, lead vocalist Brittany Howard shared the surprising journey that reunited the band, leading to their third album, I Must Be Dreaming. The reunion began with a chance collaboration at a Tuscaloosa brewery fundraiser, where Howard invited her former bandmates Zac Cockrell and Heath Fogg to perform alongside her.
As Howard reflected on the experience, she described feeling a nostalgic sense of excitement and camaraderie, reminiscent of the early days of Alabama Shakes. The impromptu performances sparked a renewed interest in collaborating, and soon the trio was swapping music and demos. Despite initially wanting to avoid recreating their past work, the band allowed their individual interests and aspirations to guide their creative process.
The resulting album delves deeply into Howard's inner world while confronting the daunting realities of the current world. "There's no leader and there's no savior," Howard said. "We are leaders. We are the saviors." She argued that anger and outrage can signify that people are finally ready to take responsibility for themselves and each other.
I Must Be Dreaming is a psychedelic soul album that encapsulates the band's journey of rediscovery and hope, even amidst a fractured world.
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