Weezer release “Shine Again” from upcoming album produced by Kenneth Blume
Weezer has built anticipation for their forthcoming album with the recent announcement of a North American arena tour, titled Weezer: The Gathering. The Shins and Silversun Pickups are set to join them as support acts. The band has also unveiled the lead single from the album, “Shine Again.”
This new single was initially shared with fans through USB drives during an intimate event last week. While the official title of the album remains a mystery, it will mark the band’s debut under Reprise/Warner Records, with Kenneth Blume serving as the producer. Blume, known for his work on Geese’s album “Getting Killed,” revealed some interesting tidbits during a Q&A session on Discord. He mentioned an encounter between Rivers Cuomo and Cameron Winter that he described as an “incredible moment.” In a lighthearted exchange, Cuomo humorously suggested joining the Geese band by asking if it should be called “Geezer.”
During the Q&A, music producer Kenny Beats shed some light on the album’s recording process. He disclosed that every song on the record began with all instruments being played simultaneously in the same room without any tempo references. Grids and click tracks were deliberately avoided in the recording process. Blume added that discussions with co-producer Klas Åhlund centered around incorporating sonic elements reminiscent of desert rock bands like Kyuss, focusing on stoner metal tones. “Shine Again” offers a glimpse into the musical direction of this record, which is expected to stand out for its unique sound. Blume emphasized that despite his background in rap, hip-hop production techniques were largely eschewed, except for potential influences on vocal production. Understanding the essence of Weezer’s “White Album” was a key part of Blume’s preparation for the recording sessions, reflecting his dedication to fully immerse himself in the band’s music.
Interestingly, the release of “Shine Again” coincides with the 10-year anniversary of Weezer’s “White Album.” However, it is their collaboration with Bethany Cosentino on “Go Away” from 2014 that is currently gaining traction on TikTok. To mark the occasion, Rivers Cuomo and Best Coast singer, Bethany Cosentino, recently performed the song on the rooftop of Los Angeles’ Hinano Cafe as part of Initiation Week celebrations. The week-long festivities have included pinball and pickleball tournaments, adding an interactive element to their album release campaign.
Weezer fans can look forward to more exciting updates on the new album as the band continues to engage with their audience through innovative and immersive experiences. It’s clear that Weezer is embracing experimentation and creative collaboration to shape their upcoming release and captivate their dedicated fan base.