3.25.09: The Avett Brothers Lure Rick Rubin With Earthy Mix North Carolina band readies major label debut I and Love and You The Avett brothers recording in Malibu, California. Over the course of a decade, the Avett Brothers (lead by Scott and Seth Avett) have perfected a blend of bluegrass picking, country harmonies and rock & roll energy. The mix of influences present in the band's rootsy work has inspired terms like "folk-punk" and "grungegrass," though the North Carolina siblings avoid such labels. The unique sound also attracted Rick Rubin, who signed the band to Columbia and is producing their major-label debut, I and Love and You. They transcend the genres they're coming from," says Rubin, whose own eclectic body of work includes Slayer, Neil Diamond and Jay-Z. The brothers crafted their sound on five independent albums released through Concord, North Carolina's Ramseur Records. For their major label debut, the band toiled with Rubin in Malibu and Asheville, North Carolina - a time they called "an experience defined by heightened levels of commitment and conviction." The sessions yielded cuts like the poppy "Slight Figure of Speech" and the autumnal, Wilco-style title track. The brothers are road testing the material at SXSW this month and are gearing up for summer dates with the Dave Matthews Band. Despite the band's earthy sound, Scott Avett says "I and Love and You" was inspired by an unlikely classic Rubin production: the Red Hot Chili Peppers' Blood Sugar Sex Magik. "But without the heroin addiction," he adds. www.theavettbrothers.com 8.04.08: The Mother Truckers stopped by the XM Satellite Radio studios in Washington DC on Aug. 4 to visit with on-air personality Jessie Scott, and talk about their new CD "Let's All go To Bed"! Pictured with their clothes on are Danny G (bass), Dan thompson (drums), Jessie Scott, Teal Collins (vocals & guitar), Josh Zee (vocals and guitar). 07.07.08: Avett Brothers Recording New Album with Rick Rubin Concord, NC's brotherly, AMERICANA-ROCK trio sign to Columbia imprint American Recordings and prep new full-length with the hirsute producer. According to a band website post yesterday (July 6), raucous, beard-sporting TRIO the Avett Brothers -- who impressed us with their lively set at Bonnaroo '08 -- have joined the likes of Neil Diamond, Weezer, and Jay-Z, tapping another facial hair lover, industry honcho and knob-twiddler extraordinaire Rick Rubin, to record their forthcoming fifth full-length. And the Brothers won't just partner with Rubin in the studio: The trio has departed longtime label Ramseur Records and inked with Rubin's Columbia imprint, American Recordings. "With this union has come another, as we have just completed and signed an agreement with American/Columbia Records, the label with whom we will proudly release our next record," the post reads. "The recording process has been, and will no doubt continue to be, an experience defined by heightened levels of commitment and conviction," the band writes. "It is our distinct pleasure and honor to be in such fine company as we build and bring this most current chapter of songs to fruition." An album title or release date has yet-to-be announced, but while you await further details, catch the Avett Brothers as they tour North America this summer. From the Band... To our dearest fans, Since we first performed as The Avett Brothers, we have been fortunate enough to find and build a genuine and mutual respect with those who care to listen. It is this kind exchange that champions our music, and allows us the forum to continue on our path, with this work, this art. We believe this to be an appropriate time for a brief update, as we would like for you all to know of the most noteworthy of present developments. We have recently begun working on a new full length album with Rick Rubin. The recording process has been, and will no doubt continue to be, an experience defined by heightened levels of commitment and conviction. It is our distinct pleasure and honor to be in such fine company as we build and bring this most current chapter of songs to fruition. With this union has come another, as we have just completed and signed an agreement with American/Columbia Records, the label with whom we will proudly release our next record. It is our sincere hope, in regard to this news, that our ongoing relationship with Ramseur Records is understood. There have been, and will be no hard feelings or abandon-based resentment from either party involved. The Avett and Ramseur camps remain strongly and truthfully connected, both personally and professionally. There has been no change in these matters through this momentous transition. For all of you who have gone to such great lengths to show your appreciation, we continue in our most sincere efforts to return the sentiment. The music would go nowhere without you. Our hearts and our minds are on the recording of this next album, and we look forward with great anticipation to sharing it with you all. Until then, thank you as always, and we will see you somewhere on that open road... Sincerely, The Avett Brothers July 2008 www.theavettbrothers.com