Dan Auerbach and Patrick Carney of The Black Keys dive into their creative process behind the upcoming album, No Rain, No Flowers. They fondly recall growing up in Akron, filled with quirky characters and musical influences. The duo also discusses newfound passions for DJing eclectic parties, sharing the thrill of making people dance to unknown tracks. They reflect on the vibrant blues roots that shaped their sound and the exciting evolution of their music amidst the challenges of the pandemic.
The Black Keys have transitioned from raw, jam-focused tracks to a more polished sound while retaining their musical core identity.
Their songwriting has evolved through collaborations with diverse musicians, enriching their music with new perspectives and techniques.
Touring plays a vital role in their creativity, balancing live performances with studio time to maintain artistic energy and connection with fans.
Deep dives
The Evolution of The Black Keys' Sound
The Black Keys have undergone a significant evolution in their sound over the years, particularly from their early work to their recent albums. There is a notable shift towards a more polished production style, moving from raw, jam-focused tracks to meticulously crafted songs. Albums like 'Delta Cream' represented a more spontaneous, jam-session feel, while recent projects have featured collaborations with prominent mixers like Chad Blake, Spike Stent, and Manny Marroquin. The shift reflects their desire to explore new creative avenues while still retaining their core musical identity.
Creative Collaboration and Songwriting Process
The band's songwriting process has evolved through creative collaborations that enrich their music. Recently, they worked with pianist Rick Knolls, who introduced new chord voicings and approaches to songwriting, which greatly influenced their sound. This collaborative environment has allowed the duo to explore and understand diverse musical perspectives and techniques, ultimately adding depth to their compositions. Throughout this process, they emphasize the importance of maintaining an open line of communication and a shared vision when creating new material.
Recording Techniques and Influences
A key aspect of The Black Keys' recording process involves varying techniques that play a pivotal role in shaping their sound. They often prefer to record in unique environments rather than traditional studios to capture an authentic vibe, reflecting their admiration for live recordings and field recordings from the past. For instance, their decision to record at Muscle Shoals Sound Studio provided an atmosphere that mirrored the raw emotion of their earlier albums while also allowing for contemporary experimentation. Their focus on live, raw feel in both their studio sessions and songwriting is evident, resulting in a sound that feels both personal and relatable.
The Impact of Touring on Creativity
The band acknowledges that touring significantly influences their creativity and music-making process. They strive to find a balance between touring schedules and studio time, understanding that extensive time on the road can lead to burnout. Despite the challenges associated with touring, including financial aspects, they recognize the exhilaration of performing live and connecting with audiences around the world. Their upcoming tour to promote their album 'No Rain, No Flowers' represents not only a celebration of new music but also an opportunity to rekindle that creative energy shared with their fans.
Navigating the Modern Music Landscape
The Black Keys are navigating the modern music landscape, which presents new challenges and opportunities for artists today. They reflect on how the rise of streaming and digital accessibility has changed the way new music is consumed, noting the quick turnover of attention from listeners. This contrasts with the slower build-up experienced by earlier albums, as they describe the importance of creating memorable music that endures beyond fleeting trends. Their approach reflects an understanding of the shifting dynamics in the music industry, emphasizing the need for thoughtful promotion and sustained connection with fans as they roll out their new material.
The Black Keys are gearing up to release their latest album, No Rain, No Flowers. The Akron, Ohio duo consisting of Dan Auerbach on lead vocals and guitar, and Patrick Carney on drums, have released 12 studio albums since their indie debut, The Big Come Up in 2002.
On today's episode Justin Richmond talks with Dan and Patrick about their process of mixing the new album. They also share memories growing up together in a town filled with eccentric characters, and they explain their newfound love of DJing parties where they challenge themselves to make people dance to an eclectic mix of unknown songs.
You can hear a playlist of some of our favorite songs from The Black Keys HERE.
