Several years back, I attended an Alison Krauss and Union Station performance not long after going through a breakup. As soon as they started playing perhaps "So Long So Wrong," or possibly "Ghost in This House" or "Every Time You Say Goodbye"—the floodgates opened, with tears streaming down my face just as those lyrics describe them doing. My companion sitting beside me gave me a knowing look; she understood completely. Who could listen to Alison Krauss under such circumstances without shedding a tear?
This year, fans get a fresh opportunity to prove themselves as the mystical vocalist and her unparalleled band come back with a brand-new album. Arcadia , set for release on March 28, followed by a 77-stop North American tour. kicking off April 17 Krauss, who was notably signed by Rounder Records at the age of 14 due to her exceptional talent as a fiddler, has been entertaining audiences for close to forty years. However, on Arcadia Her crystal-clear Baccarat soprano remains unscathed, along with the group’s musicianship and their fusion of bluegrass, roots, rock, and adult contemporary music styles. (Formerly, Dan Tyminski, who was both a guitarist and lead vocalist for the band, has moved on to pursue a solo career, and he has been succeeded by skilled bluegrass singer Russell Moore.)
Arcadia Krauss's initial collaboration with Union Station in 14 years came about through this project. During the interim, she worked on an album featuring classic country cover tunes. Windy City , and two albums alongside Led Zeppelin’s Robert Plant—including the 2007 release Raising Sand This resulted in Grammy wins for both Album of the Year and Record of the Year. Holding a total of 27 Grammys as a performer and producer, Krauss isn’t merely the most acclaimed artist in bluegrass; she’s also among the most honored women in music overall—Beyoncé stands above her with only more awards to her name.
When reached at her residence in Tennessee during an overcast day in early spring, Krauss becomes animated while discussing the collaborations central to her career (including both her ongoing work with the changing lineup of Union Station and iconic duets with artists such as Dolly Parton and Taylor Swift). When questioned about her accomplishments and future aspirations, she exhibits genuine humility. "Each album we produce and each tour feels brand new," she explains, "as if they're my first and final ventures." Her aim remains simple: "I strive for excellence; however, achieving this isn’t effortless. My hope is merely that everyone who attends will enjoy themselves thoroughly." Be prepared for potential tears though.
You're recognized as a brilliant song curator rather than a songwriter—you excel at discovering songs and assembling them effectively. Could you walk us through your typical approach to compiling an album, specifically for this new one?
Oh, this might be my favorite part—finding a song that fits just right for the band is incredibly thrilling. Many songwriters struggle with crafting their work; it can be quite emotionally taxing. The whole experience tends to weigh heavily on them. However, whenever I discover such a piece, it brings nothing but joy. I get to skip all the hardship they had to endure during the creative process. laughs It feels as though once I discover one of these songs, there's this immediate urge to perform it myself or listen to others performing and playing it. Occasionally, you come across a song that has lingered for ages but hasn't quite fit into your collection alongside the rest until now. You must locate what means most to you—a starting point for an entire musical journey. Hence, the song I discovered Arcadia It was titled "Looks Like the End of the Road." When I listened to it, I might have lost track after the first half of the initial verse. That moment marked the beginning, and subsequently, every piece I had collected over many years converged into something significant.
I often connect you with ballads about heartbreak, but "Looks Like the End of the Road" appears to delve into more profound life disappointments—choices and errors from which there’s no turning back. Does this resonate as an accurate understanding, or am I projecting some personal struggles onto it?
Something I often consider is how individuals form their personal interpretations. When I listened to the song, I also sensed themes of unrequited love. For instance, my mother mentioned that upon hearing this particular track, it made her reflect on what it was likely like for my father to move to America post-World War II, leaving behind everything familiar. People tend to latch onto specific verses, which can transform these lines into narratives they identify with personally. Sipping directly from a container might not resonate as strongly with me; however, feelings of deceit and being entangled in situations devoid of truth certainly strike chords within me. There are numerous aspects where such tales echo common human experiences. Despite varying contexts, we humans share similar emotional landscapes.
When it comes to shifting situations, reaching your fifties often prompts reflections on both the past and the future. Would a tune such as "Looks Like the End of the Road" resonate more profoundly now compared to two decades earlier?
I'm not sure! Throughout your life, there are numerous instances where you can connect with the lyrics of that song. However, as someone who has aged more, it all seems quite amusing. My mother once said, "When you hit 50, things change dramatically." Just today, I entered the incorrect entrance at the library and triggered an alarm, but I couldn't have cared less! That's what hitting 50 feels like. I’m eagerly anticipating experiencing this shift personally.
On this album, Russell Moore often performs the lively tracks, followed by more somber ballads. What draws you to performing melancholic tunes?
I adore the sense of hope conveyed in those lyrics. Whenever you perform such a song—it embodies resilience. It serves as an inspiration when listening to it. This has been my constant feeling: Such melancholic melodies instill a yearning and optimism about what lies ahead within me.
Is that why you believe break-up songs hold such significant influence?
The lyrics speak of a wonderful event that occurred and the potential for another such occurrence. These moments possess therapeutic qualities. By being shared through song, they become indelible memories. Many of these experiences are too challenging to express verbally. Over time, this has been evident; numerous traditional folk songs ensure we recall events that would otherwise remain unknown without their immortalization in enchanting melodies. This is how stories endure across generations.
Specifically, bluegrass music focuses on chronicling that history and weaving a connection to the past, be it personal stories or the broader narrative of this nation.
Individuals desire to recall and pay tribute to earlier times. Many within the musical community express similar sentiments: "I feel as though I should have been born in another era." These individuals often reminisce about days gone by—when these classic tunes came into existence—and ponder upon the lifestyle prevalent during those epochs. It has long been evident that folks tend to wax nostalgic over their predecessors' youthful years. This period remains sufficiently distant yet intimately linked with us today. Consequently, the significance of art globally cannot be overstated; it shapes one’s mental landscape and fuels imaginative musings. The question lingers: To what extent do experiences sculpt an individual’s identity versus aspirations conjured up through reverie? When immersed in melodies, many find themselves engrossed in tales spun from imagination—a substantial component contributing to personal development according to my belief.
Which musicians have you been enjoying lately?
Someone new who has really won me over is Sierra Ferrell. She impresses me as much as any artist out there. Though I haven’t had the chance to see her perform live yet, once our current tour wraps up, catching one of her shows will be at the top of my list.
Have you found yourself taking on a mentoring role for newer artists who seek your guidance on music or career matters?
Oh, I’m not sure about feeling that way. However, whenever someone asks for my advice, I always tell them, "Ensure you enjoy the songs you're performing." Since whatever comes out of your mouth matters—a lot. Whether it's spoken or sung, you must connect with it, as ultimately, it’s all you have left when you lie down alone at night.
It appears that collaboration runs through the core of your professional journey. Could you share what motivates you to team up with numerous other creators?
Sure, you understand that in bluegrass music, harmony vocals are crucial. It’s like, folks wouldn’t miss out on attending their high school prom just to sing harmonies together. These melodies aren’t worth skipping such significant occasions for. laughs It’s truly enchanting to replicate someone else’s way of speaking. While enjoying music, one appreciates its aesthetic appeal effortlessly. However, in a recording studio setting where matching an artist can be challenging, every subtle detail becomes apparent. This effect is particularly striking with legendary vocalists. For instance, working on several albums alongside Dolly Parton throughout my career, I noticed how she incorporates minute nuances into her performances. These subtleties seem effortless and organic upon first listen but become dauntingly complex under scrutiny. Similarly demanding yet rewarding was capturing the essence of Cyndi Lauper’s style. Her approach shares similarities with Dolly’s—both possess this distinctive sparkle that sets them apart.
I was also just viewing your acoustic performance performance of “Red” —when discussing breakup tunes—at the CMA Awards,Taylor Swift performed alongside Vince Gill, blending their voices together.
Allow me to share an experience involving her during a performance we both took part in right here in Nashville. She performed at the arena and invited several guest artists. During one segment, they harmonized on "When You Say Nothing At All" as part of the 1989 World Tour with Union Station. Hundreds of crew members bustled about preparing for the event, each displaying exceptional kindness from your first step inside. This created an atmosphere that was not only classy but also incredibly welcoming. On this occasion, I brought along a little girl—she happens to be the child of another collaborator in my recording sessions—and they permitted both her and my own young son to attend the soundcheck session. Taylor made sure to greet them personally; everyone present was deeply impressed. Witnessing all these interactions left quite an impact on me. Though our encounters have been limited, what I've seen has convinced me that she truly stands out as a remarkable individual.
I understand you've faced some difficulties with your voice before, yet it sounds remarkably crisp on this album. Can you share how you maintain it? Does having such a distinctive voice make you feel an obligation to look after it carefully?
Oh! Sometimes folks just feel all knotted up inside. Many individuals experience this—even big names like Shania Twain and the impeccable Renée Fleming. This condition is known as dysphonia; essentially, your throat becomes constricted and remains that way. Often, it stems from being overly stressed about various matters. So, ensuring you declutter both physically and mentally can help. Interestingly, research suggests it occurs more frequently among women. I visited a vocal coach named Ron Browning locally, whom I affectionately refer to as "Yoda." He’s truly the master, much like a Jedi. After some time under his guidance, whenever I showed up for lessons, my throat was perfectly relaxed. Singing requires freedom, and without it, tension takes over.
The interview has been revised and shortened for clarity.