In a new interview with SPIN Presents Lipps Service With Scott Lipps, RIVAL SONS singer Jay Buchanan discussed the tone and production of their next studio album.
When asked if the band's next record would be "heavier" after his solo material took a quieter direction, Jay responded, "That's a fair question, because I've thought that same thing." He expressed a desire to make a "black T-shirt record," something "rough, unrefined, and close to the bone," likening it to THE BLACK CROWES' second album, '[The] Southern [Harmony And Musical] Companion.' However, he noted that the writing process for the new album will not be the same as their past records.
"Actually, well, no," Jay said.
"Our first — I don't know — five, six records or so, we would write on the floor and just write on the fly." The band has taken their time with previous albums, writing in advance and in the studio, but Jay indicated that this approach may not hold for the new record.
Additionally, he mentioned that they were supposed to be in the studio recently, but his wife's breast cancer diagnosis put those plans on hold.
"I wanna be right here," Jay said of being at home with his wife.
"This is where I belong right now." He expressed hope that they can still release the album this year, despite the uncertainty surrounding its timeline.
When asked about working with producer Dave Cobb again, who has produced nine albums for the band, Jay stated, "I love working with Dave," and noted that he's "a good friend and an extremely talented person." However, he acknowledged that Cobb is more than just a producer now, but also an integral part of the band's sound.
The band's critically acclaimed catalogue includes albums such as "Pressure & Time," "Head Down," "Great Western Valkyrie," "Hollow Bones," and "Feral Roots," which earned two Grammy Award nominations for "Best Rock Album" and "Best Rock Performance." Their most recent releases, "Darkfighter" and "Lightbringer," showcase the band's perpetual progression forward.
RIVAL SONS have played over 250 shows in a year and are regulars on the festival circuit both through Europe and North America.