Big Thief discusses loss and heartache in recent interview with Mojo Magazine
On Friday, Big Thief will be releasing their sixth album, “Double Infinity,” marking their first release since bassist Max Oleartchik’s departure in June of the previous year. In this album, the band took a fresh approach by involving 11 additional musicians in the recording process, such as vocalist Hannah Cohen, June McDoom, percussionist Mikel Patrick from Natural Information Society, and zither player Laraaji, in addition to the core trio of Adrianne Lenker, Buck Meek, and James Krivchenia.
Adrianne Lenker shared with MOJO’s Victoria Segal that the decision to regroup as a band usually stems from a surplus of songs that need to be recorded before they slip away. She noted that the process starts with a desire to immortalize these songs through recording, ultimately leading to the creation of a cohesive album.
The band members discussed their organic approach to regrouping, emphasizing an effortless flow of creativity rather than a forced effort to work. They shared insights into their collaborative songwriting process, revealing that they often rely on a visual map at Lenker’s house to organize and develop song ideas over time. Lenker expressed her concern about documenting songs to ensure their longevity, underscoring the importance of archiving music for posterity.
For “Double Infinity,” Big Thief had a pool of 20 ready songs that were gradually narrowed down during the recording process. They welcomed the opportunity to work with a larger group of musicians on this album, which Lenker described as an exhilarating and fulfilling experience. She highlighted the excitement of collaborating with 11 musicians in the studio, showcasing the band’s expansion beyond its core trio.
The band acknowledged the initial anxiety of expanding their lineup but emphasized that the collaborative process felt liberating and creatively stimulating rather than daunting. Lenker explained that the group’s evolution into a trio followed Oleartchik’s departure and the subsequent realization that they needed to embrace a new musical direction. The band’s decision to diversify their sound palette marked a significant shift in their approach to music-making.
Lenker reflected on the song “Grandmother” as a pivotal track that challenged conventional notions of rock ‘n’ roll and underscored the band’s mission to push creative boundaries. The inclusion of unexpected elements, such as Laraaji’s vocals, reinforced Big Thief’s commitment to redefining traditional genres and embracing diverse influences in their music. The song’s thematic exploration of dualities and infinite possibilities resonated with the band’s broader vision of music as a boundless and multifaceted art form.
In essence, “Double Infinity” represents a bold new chapter for Big Thief, characterized by collaborative experimentation, artistic growth, and a fearless embrace of creative evolution. As the band navigates the complexities of regrouping and reinventing their sound, they continue to chart a unique path in the indie folk landscape, pushing boundaries and challenging listeners with their innovative approach to music.