Individuals from that generation are familiar with increasing the volume during the fade out.

The concept of using a fade-out to conclude a song has always been a topic of discussion among music enthusiasts. While some argue that this technique appears lazy and lacks a proper ending, others appreciate the gradual decrease in volume as a unique art form. Renowned Australian country-pop artist Keith Urban falls into the latter category, expressing his fondness for the fade-out during an interview with Billboard while promoting his latest album, Flow State, which consists of yacht rock covers alongside one original track.

Urban, when asked about his approach to the covers on his album, highlighted his desire to honor the tradition of musicians indulging in creative freedom as they near the song’s end. He emphasized the significance of deviating from the script, particularly towards the conclusion of tracks. Urban reminisced about the era when fade-outs were prevalent, reminiscing how the volume increase at the fading end often revealed fascinating musical details. This freedom often resulted in session musicians showcasing their skills knowing that their contributions might not make the final cut, leading to captivating musical moments.

Acknowledging the allure of what unfolds during the fade-out phase, Urban stressed the critical importance of embracing this artistic approach. He referenced the discoveries made on his previous records, specifically mentioning the extended outros on tracks like “Stupid Boy.” Urban admitted that the band’s spontaneous creativity during such periods led to remarkable musical arrangements that deserved recognition, hence his decision to incorporate fade-outs in his compositions.

Urban’s appreciation for fade-outs is not a recent revelation; he has long encouraged his band members to explore and experiment during song endings. Reflecting on his creative process, he revealed how certain tracks, like “Stupid Boy,” benefitted from extended build-ups due to the band’s exceptional performances during those moments. For Urban, the fade-out represents an opportunity to showcase the band’s talents and add depth to the overall musical experience.

In conclusion, Keith Urban’s affinity for the fade-out technique underscores the significance of embracing artistic freedom and spontaneity in music production. By allowing musicians to explore and improvise during the concluding phases of a song, artists like Urban can unlock hidden musical gems and enhance the listener’s overall enjoyment. Through his latest album and previous compositions, Urban demonstrates the transformative power of the fade-out, turning what some may consider an afterthought into a captivating musical element.