William Tyler and Four Tet’s Kieran Hebden tease first album with 11-minute Lyle Lovett cover

Guitarist William Tyler and producer Kieran Hebden of Four Tet fame have been working on a collaborative project that has culminated in their upcoming debut album, 41 Longfield Street Late ‘80s, slated for release on September 19 under Temporary Residence Ltd. The duo teased fans with an epic 11-minute rendition of Lyle Lovett’s “If I Had A Boat” as the first single off the record.

In May 2023, prior to the album announcement, Tyler and Hebden had already shared singles like “Darkness, Darkness” and “No Services,” giving listeners a taste of what was to come. Both artists went on record to share insight into their collaborative process and what led them to work together.

Kieran Hebden opened up about their meeting at Bonnaroo Festival in Tennessee in 2013, a fateful encounter that sparked the idea of future collaboration. Initially swapping ideas virtually, with tracks like “Darkness, Darkness,” the pair later met in a studio in Los Angeles to delve deeper into their project. Hebden shared how their shared love for ‘80s American country and folk music from artists such as Lyle Lovett and Nanci Griffith fueled their creative process, blending their influences into a unique sound.

Hebden revealed the intricacies of their creation process, with him focusing on computer-based production while Tyler added guitar work and ideas, reflecting on their shared teenage experiences and musical influences passed down by their fathers. The result was a fusion of genres, reimagining their childhood soundtrack into a contemporary narrative.

On the other hand, William Tyler shared his perspective on connecting with Hebden, praising his musical prowess and shared passion for ‘80s Americana, a genre Tyler was pleasantly surprised to discover was close to Hebden’s heart. Despite hailing from different parts of the world, their bond over nostalgic music preferences rooted in their fathers’ influences solidified their artistic collaboration.

Reflecting on their journey, Tyler recounted the various tracks and moments that led to their collaboration, highlighting the culmination of efforts and musical exploration they engaged in over the years. From a casual suggestion to work together to developing a profound artistic relationship, Tyler and Hebden found common ground in redefining their shared influences and recontextualizing their musical roots.

The duo’s cover of Lyle Lovett’s “If I Had A Boat,” a nod to real-life events, served as a creative catalyst for their album and showcased their ability to transform classic tunes with a modern twist. The expansive 11-minute journey encapsulated the essence of their collaboration and the evolution of their sound.

As Tyler and Hebden gear up for the release of their debut album, fans are eager to experience the culmination of their shared vision and creative synergy. With a blend of nostalgia and forward-thinking approaches, the duo aims to captivate audiences with a sound that transcends genres and redefines traditional musical boundaries.