The Velveteers' New Album 'A Million Knives': A Groundbreaking Collaboration and Emotional Journey
The Velveteers are embarking on an exciting journey with the release of their sophomore album A Million Knives, which is already making waves with its historical significance. The album's lead single, “Go Fly Away,” marks a first-time collaboration between the Velveteers and The Black Keys — a partnership that music fans have eagerly anticipated. For the first time, Black Keys’ Dan Auerbach and Patrick Carney have come together to co-produce a track for another band, setting the stage for something truly special.
Dan Auerbach, who signed The Velveteers to his label Easy Eye Sound and has been a guiding force in their music, shares his excitement. “Pat’s played drums on some of my productions before, but this time, it was all hands on deck. The Velveteers, Pat, and I all worked together in the studio to craft something unique,” Auerbach tells Billboard.
Frontwoman Demi Demitro recalls the creative energy in the studio when Carney dropped by during the A Million Knives sessions at Auerbach’s Easy Eye Sound studio in Nashville. The connection felt natural and effortless. “We didn’t know at first that it was a historic moment, but working with both Dan and Patrick was an incredible experience,” Demitro says. The song’s origins were organic — it began with a simple keyboard line Carney introduced, and the band built around it. “Patrick’s drumming, along with our own Baby Pottersmith and Jonny Fig, added so much dimension. We layered in a heavy guitar after the chorus, and it all just came together.”
The collaboration felt destined. “We toured with The Black Keys and built a friendship, so this project felt like a natural progression,” Auerbach adds. “Pat was eager to get in the studio and create with the band.”
However, “Go Fly Away” is the only song on A Million Knives with this unique production approach. The remaining 13 tracks were born out of a creative period while the band was on tour for their debut album Nightmare Daydream. Opening for rock giants like Guns N’ Roses and Smashing Pumpkins helped inspire the band's bold new direction.
Demitro reflects on the writing process: “We were on the road for nearly two years, so every chance we got to be home, we wrote music. We ended up with about 30 songs, and when it came time to record, we narrowed them down to the ones that felt strongest.” Auerbach acknowledges the trio's instinctual approach to selecting tracks, “I tried to guide them, but they had a clear vision. Their ambition and confidence made it a fun process.”
The album leans toward an aggressive and heavy sound, but as it progresses, it transitions into more melodic and introspective tracks. Songs like “Go Fly Away,” “Heaven,” and “Up Here” provide a kind of emotional resolution. “It’s like a calm after the storm,” Demitro shares. “These songs deal with heartbreak in many forms and offer a much-needed release.”
The album also features guest musicians, including regular Easy Eye Sound collaborator Tom Bukovac, Nick Bockrath from Cage the Elephant, and Greg Cartwright of Reigning Sound, adding rich layers of guitar to several tracks. Auerbach emphasizes that their approach was to experiment with different sounds, and not every idea made the final cut. “We threw things at the wall to see what stuck,” he explains.
Though Demitro felt the pressure of following up a successful debut, she believes A Million Knives is a more vulnerable and honest work. “On the last album, I used a lot of metaphors. This time, I wanted to be straightforward with my feelings. I think I accomplished that.”
With plans for a headlining tour and more singles to come, The Velveteers are poised to take 2025 by storm. And, according to Demitro, the visual artistry accompanying the album will be just as impactful as the music itself.
Table of Contents
- Introduction to The Velveteers' New Era
- The Black Keys Collaboration: A First in Music History
- The Creative Process Behind "Go Fly Away"
- Touring Influences: The Road to A Million Knives
- Songwriting Insights: From Heartbreak to Healing
- Guest Musicians and Their Impact on the Album
- Vulnerability and Authenticity in A Million Knives
- Visual Art and Music: What's Coming Next for The Velveteers?
- Conclusion: Why A Million Knives is a Game Changer
- FAQ: Everything You Need to Know About The Velveteers and A Million Knives
Quick Summary
The Velveteers are stepping into a new chapter with their second album, A Million Knives. Led by the powerful single “Go Fly Away,” a groundbreaking collaboration with The Black Keys, this album showcases a band at the height of their creativity. With heavy, aggressive tracks giving way to more melodic and reflective songs, A Million Knives explores the many faces of heartbreak. Featuring guest musicians and a bold, honest approach to songwriting, this album promises to be one of the year’s most compelling releases.
Stay tuned for more touring, music, and visual art from this dynamic trio as they continue to redefine the rock genre.
FAQ Section
1. Who are The Velveteers?
The Velveteers are a rock trio from Denver, known for their heavy sound and dynamic live performances. They gained recognition with their debut album Nightmare Daydream and are now following up with A Million Knives.
2. How did The Velveteers collaborate with The Black Keys?
The collaboration came about organically after the two bands toured together. The single “Go Fly Away” is a co-production between Velveteers’ producer Dan Auerbach and The Black Keys’ Patrick Carney.
3. What is the theme of A Million Knives?
The album explores various forms of heartbreak and emotional release, with a balance of aggressive rock tracks and more melodic, introspective songs.
4. Who are the guest musicians on the album?
The album features contributions from guitarists Tom Bukovac, Nick Bockrath from Cage the Elephant, and Greg Cartwright of Reigning Sound.
5. What’s next for The Velveteers?
The band is currently on tour and planning more releases from the album, as well as exciting visual art projects to accompany their music.
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