Gillian Welch and David Rawlings have long been revered figures within the Americana music scene, and their latest release, Woodland, only solidifies their status as masters of their craft. The album arrives at the tail end of their impressive career, presenting listeners with not only new music but also the background story of resilience and revival.
Their musical endeavor faced significant challenges when, back in March 2020, a devastating tornado tore through East Nashville, almost claiming the beloved Woodland Sound Studios. This studio isn’t just bricks and mortar; it’s where many legendary albums have been birthed, including works by consummate artists like Tammy Wynette and Jimmy Buffett. When the storm hit, it left the studio's roof decimated yet allowed its foundation to stand strong. This survival mirrored the duo's dedication and passion for their music, as they jumped at the chance to salvage both their precious equipment and cherished recordings from destruction.
For nearly four years, Welch and Rawlings navigated through the aftermath. They not only restored the studio but also channeled the experience of loss and the immense gratitude for their continued ability to create music. Woodland, named after the studio, marks their first cohesive collaboration since their last album together back in 2016. The significance of the album lies not just within its music, but also as a poignant reminder of what is possible when faced with adversity.
This album is imbued with emotion, featuring lush storytelling and haunting melodies. Tracks such as “What We Had” and “Here Stands a Woman” are vivid explorations of life, love, and the inexorable passage of time. On “Here Stands a Woman,” Welch states, “You told me you loved me / And it would never change / But I’m looking in the mirror / I know I’m not the same,” echoing sentiments many can relate to as they navigate their own journeys.
“There’s loss, sorrow, and destruction throughout this record, but there’s also joy and relief,” Welch shared during her interview with Rolling Stone. “It runs through all the songs... this feeling of, ‘Maybe I took some things for granted and didn’t realize it could be gone.’” Amid the heart-wrenching stories, there lies hope, underscoring the beauty of creation even after experiencing chaos.
But the duo’s troubles with nature weren't solitary. Welch recounted the story of the studio’s past, reflecting on how it had survived another disastrous event back in 1998 when it was ravaged by another storm. The repeated concept of preservation ties deeply to their own artistic evolution; after witnessing the cyclical nature of destruction, Welch and Rawlings’ desire to maintain the studio became amplified. “The only people who wanted to buy it were national chains,” Welch reminisced about their fight to acquire the studio, underscoring their commitment to keeping the artistic integrity alive.
Now, pushing their creative boundaries, Woodland features ten compelling tracks, showcasing their continuous evolution. From the melancholic tones to the rich storytelling, the album merges both raw emotion and artistic innovation. With the blend of Welch’s soulful melodies and Rawlings’ poignant lyrics, the duo dives deep, leaving listeners stirred and engaged.
One standout tune from the album, “Hashtag,” serves as both tribute and satirical reflection on modern fame and validation. Rawlings, through emotive storytelling, reminisces about their late friend Guy Clark. Singing, “You laughed and said the news would be bad / If I ever saw your name with a hashtag,” he encapsulates the irony present in today's celebrity culture.
The album opens with “Empty Trainload of Sky,” which sets the tone for the entire creative experience they offer. It lays the groundwork for what is to follow — rich instrumentation and thoughtful lyrics, making it feel like both familiar ground and new territory at the same time. Listeners are treated to haunting melodies and layered arrangements, showcasing growth within their collective work.
The dynamic duo is uncompromising when it stands to their creative process. Welch and Rawlings are known for their perfectionist tendencies, often engaging deep introspection and reflection which dramatically influences their sound. They even joked about the extensive number of songs Rawlings had penned, nearing almost 100, before paring it down to the album’s manageable ten tracks. Always striving to produce their best work, their commitment reflects not just on their music but on their shared personal evolution as well.
“All of the songs chosen held two sides connected by the lyrics,” Rawlings elaborated on the album’s thematic essence. “Some hear a song and some hear a warning,” offering listeners room to interpret the music personally. Welch also noted the album brims with contrasts. “There’s change, there’s conflict, but there’s also stillness,” she reflected, capturing this balance beautifully throughout the record.
Welch revealed their excitement about the recent tours aimed at introducing new audiences to Woodland. Their first live performance included eight songs from the album at the Newport Folk Festival, with overwhelming audience support and recognition. “It felt like, ‘Here we are,’” Rawlings said, noting how fans were welcoming the new material like long-lost friends. It suggests promise not just for the record but for their extensive touring duration and the opportunities it presents.
Now, as they prepare for their upcoming 34-date tour — which will take them from La Vista, Nebraska, to Tysons, Virginia — their infectious energy and renewed connection come alive through their performances. They're simultaneously focused on enjoying the present and celebrating their past experiences. Yet it’s also evident they’re ready to keep moving forward.
The essence of Woodland transcends its sound; it’s about renewal. It acknowledges losses but celebrates the chance to keep creating and living. With music always serving as the soundtrack to their lives, Welch and Rawlings have crafted not just songs for the ears but narratives for our hearts and souls. The duo’s chemistry remains palpable, fueled by sincerity and authenticity, creating music's rawest moments — those simple, yet deeply human connections.
“You and me are always gonna be howdy howdy,” they sing on the closer, “Howdy, Howdy” — words encapsulating their long-standing partnership woven through struggle, life, and creativity. Their ability to reflect on life's ups and downs paints the reality of existence and the inevitability of change, inviting us all to embrace our own stories.
