Lake Street Dive Share Video for Title Track from Forthcoming Album ‘What About Flamingos?’

Boston-based ensemble Lake Street Dive is preparing to release their latest studio album, What About Flamingos?, scheduled for February 19. This forthcoming record marks a significant milestone as the first release under the band’s own imprint, Dive Not Dive Records, highlighting a new chapter of creative independence.

The band initially teased their fans last summer with the single “You’re Never Around,” though details about the album itself remained under wraps until recently. Now, with the debut of the title track accompanied by a new video, listeners gain a clearer glimpse into the album’s artistic direction and thematic essence.

Recording sessions for What About Flamingos? spanned both coasts of the United States, involving collaborations with two notable producers. In West Hurley, New York, Lake Street Dive worked alongside Philip Weinrobe, recognized for his work with Adrianne Lenker and Big Thief. Concurrently, the group recorded at Jonathan Wilson’s Five Star Studios in Topanga Canyon, California, a producer known for his collaborations with artists such as Father John Misty and Angel Olsen.

A defining feature of the album’s creation was the decision to record live as a full band in a single room for the first time. This method aimed to capture the raw energy and spontaneity characteristic of their live performances. According to relix.com, the band entered these sessions with an open approach, bringing individual compositions to the table without prior knowledge of each other’s material, fostering a collaborative environment that allowed personal stories and emotions to intertwine organically.

The album weaves together themes of gratitude and the celebration of life’s fleeting magic, concepts that resonate throughout the record. The symbolic use of flamingos in the title track and overall album imagery reflects a stream-of-consciousness approach that underscores the band’s contemplative and humanistic outlook during these sessions.

What About Flamingos? not only signals Lake Street Dive’s evolution sonically but also their growing autonomy within the music industry. By releasing the album through their own label, the band asserts greater control over their creative output and distribution, a move that may influence their future projects.

The newly released video for the title track enhances the album’s launch, offering a visual complement to the band’s freshly unveiled sound. While further details about the full tracklist and promotional plans remain limited, fans can now preorder the album in anticipation of the mid-February release.

This project follows a period of artistic exploration for Lake Street Dive, and their approach to recording what became What About Flamingos? emphasizes authenticity and immediacy. The decision to prioritize live, collective performance marks a notable departure from previous production methods, potentially setting a new standard for the group’s recordings moving forward.

As the release date approaches, What About Flamingos? positions itself as a testament to Lake Street Dive’s commitment to growth, both artistically and professionally. The album’s blending of heartfelt narratives, collaborative spirit, and production innovation offers a fresh chapter in the band’s evolving discography.