Musician Ben Kweller channels emotions from son’s death into new album.

Singer-guitarist Ben Kweller has had a storied musical career filled with both triumph and tragedy. At an early age, Kweller found himself in the spotlight with his band Radish, being hailed as rock’s next big thing. Despite the band’s eventual breakup, he looks back on those days with a sense of pride at what he achieved as a young musician.

However, life took a devastating turn when Kweller’s son, Dorian, a talented singer-songwriter, died in a car crash at just 16 years old. This tragedy deeply impacted Kweller, who saw a lot of himself in his son, especially in their shared love for music. To channel his grief and emotions, Kweller poured his heart into his upcoming seventh studio album, “Cover the Mirrors,” named after a centuries-old mourning ritual.

While the album delves into heavy and somber themes, it also serves as a cathartic outlet for Kweller. Songs like “Optimystic” tackle depression in a surprisingly upbeat manner, showcasing Kweller’s ability to find moments of light in darkness. Despite the pain and loss, Kweller acknowledges that laughter and joy can still exist, even after tragedy.

Throughout the album, Kweller explores various emotions, from the pain of loss to the complexities of life and death. The track “Trapped” holds special significance as it was a song that Dorian was working on before his untimely passing. Hearing his son sing the chorus and melody filled Kweller with pride and admiration for his son’s talent, making the song a poignant tribute to Dorian’s musical legacy.

In another poignant moment on the album, Kweller collaborates with The Flaming Lips on the song “Killer Bee” to honor another young musician, Nell Smith, who died in a car crash at age 17. The connection between Dorian and Nell, despite never meeting, highlights their shared spirit of individuality and creativity. The song serves as a tribute to those who march to the beat of their own drum, embracing their uniqueness in a world that often demands conformity.

Despite the heavy themes and personal turmoil present throughout the album, Kweller’s resilience and strength shine through. Finding solace in music and creativity, he has channeled his grief into a powerful and moving collection of songs that pay homage to his son’s memory. As he navigates life after loss, Kweller’s music serves as a testament to the healing power of art and the enduring legacy of those we have lost.