Young In All The Wrong Ways is the title of the forthcoming new album from Sara Watkins, due July 1 on New West Records. This new release sees the acclaimed songwriter and multi-instrumentalist boldly stepping back in to the role of frontwoman following the collaborative groups of Watkins Family Hour and the platinum-selling, Grammy Award-winning Nickel Creek. Watch her official video for Watch Me below:
Self-described as a “breakup album with myself,” writing and recording these 10 intensely soul-baring songs was a means for her to process and mark the last couple of years, which have been transformative. A record about turning the page and taking the reins, in both her career and personal life, these intimate sentiments are paired with audacious musical jumps that push against expectations in unexpected ways. These songs contain some of the heaviest moments of her career, with eruptions of thrumming B3 organ and jagged electric guitar. But it’s also quiet, vulnerable, tenderhearted.
“I looked around and realized that in many ways I wasn’t who or where I wanted to be,” reveals the accomplished musician who has been playing professionally since the age of eight. “It’s been a process of letting go and leaving behind patterns and relationships and in some cases how I’ve considered myself. What these songs are documenting is the turmoil you feel when you know something has to change and you’re grappling with what that means. It means you’re losing something and moving forward into the unknown.”
Watkins has just finished a seven-week US tour with Patty Griffin and Anais Mitchell as part of the League of Women Voters’ Use Your Voice Tour in an effort to drive voter engagement and education. She will play dates in the UK and Ireland in November:
Sara Watkins 2016 UK Tour Dates
Wednesday November 2 – Dublin Whelan’s
Thursday November 3 – Belfast Errigle Inn
Friday November 4 – Bury The Met
Saturday November 5 – Gateshead The Sage
Sunday November 6 – Sheffield Greystones
Tuesday November 8 – Bristol The Tunnels
Thursday November 10 – London Bush Hall
Friday November 11 – Oxford Bullingdon
Saturday November 12 – Guildford St. Mary’s
Sunday November 13 – Saltaire Live at Caroline