Every now and then we’ll Fast Forward and profile an upcoming release we can’t wait to hear.

A few weeks back I read an article featuring the Avett Brothers in American Songwriter magazine and it got me excited about their upcoming album release this Summer. I only recently got into the Avett Brothers with their 2007 release Emotionlism and last year’s EP The Second Gleam.  Their music is pretty simple, but their lyrics are intense. For a taste, try “Murder in the City” (from The Second Gleam) below. Simply beautiful. I’ve also heard there live shows are VERY spirited, fueled by loyal and rabid fans.  Catch them if you can, they’re doing shows with Dave Matthews in April and May.

So, now Rick Rubin has signed the Avett Brothers to his label American Recordings. He has also produced their forthcoming album release. Rubin is known as a brilliant producer and music man. He has a long, long string of producing masterpiece recordings and reviving long lost careers.  I’ve read that some believe that this is an unnecessary risk that the Avett Brothers are taking by going with Rubin, that somehow he might change them, disappointing the fans that have gotten the Avett Brothers to where they are now.  Of course , we won’t know how this all turns out for them until the album is release, but from reading the article, I get the feeling that it will all work out fine for the Avett Brothers.  Enjoy the read - THE AVETT BROTHERS: Life and Art, Ambition and Vision | American Songwriter.