Big Thief Preview New Album Live in Nashville: Five Things We Learned

On August 23, 2024, Big Thief delivered a distinctive live experience at Nashville’s iconic Ryman Auditorium by unveiling their unreleased triple album, Horsepower, in a rare full-album presentation. Rather than a conventional concert, the trio—Adrianne Lenker, Buck Meek, and James Krivchenia—alongside touring bassist Joshua Crumbly, shared an intimate and collaborative performance that spotlighted the album’s intricate folk and roots influences.

The setting itself hinted at an extraordinary evening. The absence of an opening act and venue signage requesting minimal phone usage suggested a special event. The stage setup, featuring numerous chairs and multiple fiddles, foreshadowed the expanded ensemble that would accompany the band throughout the night.

Lenker introduced the project by revealing that Horsepower was recorded in Nashville in May 2024, though the exact studio location was not specified. The band clarified that the performance would not follow the album’s track order and that familiar songs from previous releases or tour staples would be largely absent, inviting the audience to embrace the new material and the unique structure of the night.

Throughout the two-set concert, the audience witnessed a gradual expansion of performers joining the core band, culminating in a rich sonic tapestry. Notably, the evening featured renowned Americana figures Iris DeMent, Gillian Welch, and Lucinda Williams, who contributed vocals and instrumentation, enriching the folk harmonies and deepening the album’s rooted sound.

DeMent’s appearance was particularly meaningful given the band’s longtime admiration for her work. Welch added texture with her acoustic guitar and banjo, while Williams appeared for the final two songs, contributing to a powerful closing. Their participation underscored the album’s connection to Americana traditions and the collaborative spirit behind its creation.

Horsepower’s tracklist contains 29 songs, many of which have been previously played live in various forms. Tracks such as the title song, “Happiness,” and “Baby Honey Sweet Darlin” have been introduced to audiences before, while “Sadness Is a Gift” had appeared on Lenker’s solo project Bright Future. The performances revealed the album’s roots in narrative storytelling, with themes exploring travel, human experience, and the complexities of finding joy amid hardship.

Musically, the album embraces a twangy, country-inflected sound more pronounced than Big Thief’s earlier work, drawing inspiration from artists like Gram Parsons, John Prine, and Paul Simon. The inclusion of a three-piece fiddle section and pedal steel guitar contributed to this expanded sonic palette, reinforcing the album’s rich Americana aesthetic.

Lenker dedicated moments during the show to personal reflections, including a dedication of “6-7-8-9 She’s Fine” to her girlfriend, highlighting the themes of love and happiness woven throughout the album. The playful “Spatchcock Chickenshit Bingo” offered a lighthearted contrast, showcasing the band’s willingness to infuse silliness and levity into their music.

The concert’s final song, “Gift Pleasure Joy,” was penned during the recording sessions and served as a celebratory conclusion, emphasizing the creative process and the emotional rewards of making music. Lenker’s standing and solo performance of this track marked a poignant moment in an otherwise seated show.

The entire performance was professionally filmed for a forthcoming concert film, though official release details remain undisclosed. Additionally, Big Thief planned to reprise the full Horsepower set the following night in Nashville, potentially featuring the same special guests, offering fans a rare opportunity to witness this ambitious project live.

While the official release date for Horsepower has yet to be announced, the Nashville shows provided an early glimpse into the band’s evolving sound and collaborative ambitions. The event reinforced Big Thief’s reputation for blending indie rock with deep Americana roots, presenting a multifaceted exploration of storytelling, musical heritage, and emotional resonance.