Celebrated songwriting duo Gillian Welch and David Rawlings have just dropped a gem with Woodland, their long-awaited new album. Recorded at their own reborn Woodland Sound Studio in Nashville, the album feels like a new chapter, not only for Welch and Rawlings but also for the musical book they’ve helped write. Produced by Rawlings himself, Woodland combines full-band arrangements with delicate duets, showcasing a rare fusion of haunting lyricism and striking musical interplay.

The album's namesake, their recording studio which was a haven for many Nashville recording artists until it was destroyed by a tornado in 2020. Rebuilt from the ground up, Woodland Sound Studios has risen with a new spirit and purpose, and that sense of revival permeates every track. "A swirl of contradictions, emptiness, fullness, joy, grief, destruction, [and] permanence," is how the duo describes the album, underscoring how these elements echo their own story of rebuilding.

Woodland is the first album of new material from Welch since The Harrow & The Harvest (2011) and from Rawlings since Poor David's Almanack (2017). The album perfectly balances their uniquely American roots with a fresh approach, reflecting both their history and the deeply personal nature of their songwriting. The first single, "Empty Trainload Of Sky," features a ghostly, wistful quality that speaks of solitude and endurance, while the second single, "Hashtag," takes on themes of modern connection and alienation, a nod to a rapidly changing world.

Mastered directly from the original tapes on a Neumann VMS-80 cutting system, Woodland carries a warmth and authenticity that feel timeless. This specific production process makes each note feel like a direct line to the listener’s soul - no gloss, no polish, just real, organic sound. It's about their vision, looking to elevate each song with a clarity that breathes life into every chord and lyric. In a time that often feels fractured and transient, Woodland is a reminder of the permanence of great lyrics and music.