Ever wondered what it takes to bounce back after a tough year in the music industry? The Black Keys certainly know! Dan Auerbach and Patrick Carney are back with a new album, sharing insights on resilience, navigating the business, and why sometimes, you just need to trust your gut. What’s the biggest lesson they’ve learned after two decades?
After a tumultuous year marked by significant professional setbacks, American rock duo The Black Keys are poised for a powerful resurgence with their highly anticipated new album, signaling a return to their roots and a renewed focus on their artistry. The band, consisting of Dan Auerbach and Patrick Carney, faced a period they’d rather forget in 2024, yet they channelled these experiences into their latest musical endeavor, aiming to make 2025 a year of triumph.
The upcoming The Black Keys album, forged in the creative crucible of Auerbach’s Easy Eye Sound studio in Nashville, represents an act of unwavering artistic will. Initiated mere months after a disastrous tour, the 11 fresh tracks were conceived organically, coming to life during on-the-spot collaborations. The duo engaged with acclaimed songwriter-producers Daniel Tashian, Scott Storch, and Rick Nowells, known for their work across various genres, to shape a sound Auerbach aptly describes as “sad pop”—a compelling blend of wistful lyrics set against pointedly upbeat melodies.
Despite the collaborative efforts, the essence of The Black Keys remains undiluted. Auerbach emphasizes their unique “filter,” ensuring that any external influences are seamlessly integrated into their distinctive sound. This latest creative output, emerging from a period of intense personal and professional testing, serves as a testament to their enduring partnership. The duo credits their shared musical bond as the unwavering force that consistently brings them back together, reinforcing their belief in trusting their innate creative instincts.
Patrick Carney, known for his more outspoken demeanor, offers a candid assessment of the music industry, famously labeling it a “slimy hellhole.” He highlights the pervasive challenges beyond artistic creation, including navigating complex business relationships, managing venue logistics, and contentious ticket pricing. Carney underscores the necessity of “hyper-vigilance” to protect their artistic integrity and financial well-being, asserting that no one will champion The Black Keys with the same passion as its two founding members.
Hailing from Akron, Ohio, Dan Auerbach and Patrick Carney’s journey began two decades ago, rooted in a blue-collar town devoid of a significant rock music scene. Their early musical explorations were characterized by “weird Americana songs and spooky ballads,” funded by jobs like mowing lawns to support their initial tours. Their eventual signing with Fat Possum and later Nonesuch Records marked a gradual but consistent ascent, contrasting with the more stylized success of contemporaries like The White Stripes, even as critics once admonished The Black Keys for commercial licensing.
A pivotal turning point arrived with their collaboration with producer Danger Mouse, leading to critical and commercial breakthroughs such as the 2010 album *Brothers* and the even more refined *El Camino* in 2011. These records cemented their status as a formidable rock music force, producing iconic tracks and selling millions globally. However, the relentless demands of extensive year-long tours eventually led to profound exhaustion, prompting a necessary four-year hiatus for both musicians to recharge and pursue individual projects.
Returning to a dramatically altered music industry landscape, characterized by streaming, social media, and shortened attention spans, The Black Keys have continued to forge their path, releasing five albums in six years, including their new album. Amidst these changes, their “Record Hang” events, all-vinyl dance parties curated by Auerbach and Carney, have grown in popularity. The meticulous process of compiling these playlists profoundly influenced their recent songwriting, fostering a “don’t bore us, get to the chorus” approach that emphasizes economy and directness in their new compositions.
As the band prepares for their North American tour and the imminent August release of their new record, both Auerbach and Carney express a quiet satisfaction with their latest work, seemingly unburdened by external expectations. Carney humorously dismisses mainstream music trends, stating his understanding extends only to “what Dua Lipa looks like on stage.” Auerbach, meanwhile, articulates their enduring philosophy: a dedication to following their creative interests and serving their devoted audience. This unwavering commitment underscores the enduring spirit of The Black Keys as they continue their storied journey.
