Singled Out: The Kennedys' Without Us

Americana/folk-rockers The Kennedys just released their new album "Smoketree" and to celebrate we asked Maura Kennedy to tell us about the song "Without Us". Here is the story:

"Without Us" is the first single from our new, 18th album, "Smoketree." It's a meditation on how quickly and efficiently the earth will recover from the virus that is mankind once we're gone. This idea came out of a morning meditation. I always meditate outside, so it's easy to get in touch with nature, and in a deeper way, it's easy to really empathize with her. The song is me telling her, "Have patience. We'll be gone soon enough, and you'll recover." Some might think that's a dark attitude to take, but, as a child of nature, I'm rooting for her.

We shot the video in different natural settings while on tour. The opening shot is a kayaker floating down Rainbow Springs toward the open water. It fits nicely with the liquid sound of Pete's banjo and mandolin, and we love the gentle, organic, mid-tempo bluegrass style of the track. When we first write a song, we have an idea of the key, tempo, overall vibe and so forth, but once we get to work in the studio, we flesh it out and it becomes something more. This is one of those songs that grows organically once the red recording light goes on. The subject seems pessimistic, but the lilt of the opening notes create a counterbalance to the overall warning: that we're messing up the best and most beautiful thing we have - planet Earth.

Hearing is believing. Now that you know the story behind the song, listen and watch for yourself below and learn more here

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