Grace Potter is set to release a long-awaited roots album titled “Medicine,” which she initially recorded in collaboration with the renowned producer T Bone Burnett back in 2008. The album will be made available on May 30 through Hollywood Records. Although Potter has been a prominent figure in the music scene, marked by her fiery rock star image, “Medicine” showcases a different side of her artistry, defined by rustic overtones and a more subdued tone compared to her earlier work with the Nocturnals.
The delay in releasing the album was primarily due to marketing decisions from her record label, which believed that a more “prestige” album would not resonate with the current momentum Potter and her band had gained in the rock genre. Potter candidly shared that both label concerns and dynamics within her band contributed to shelving the project at the time.
With Burnett’s direction, the album features soulful tracks like “Oasis” and retains an exploratory essence that Potter feels reflects her growth as an artist. She describes working with Burnett as a crucial turning point in her understanding of her musical diversity. Now, almost two decades later, Potter feels ready to share this record with the world, stating that time and reflection have allowed her to approach the content with fresh ears.
In addition to the album release, Potter will be joining country star Chris Stapleton on his All-American Road Show tour, and she is excited for the return of her annual Burlington music festival, Grand Point North, under the newly established Grand Point Foundation. This initiative aims to support the arts in Vermont and emphasize the importance of keeping local stages active.
Potter’s dedication to community-building through the festival, even when it hasn’t been financially lucrative, showcases her passion for music and the arts. As she balances her music career, new film projects, and collaboration with other artists, fans eagerly await “Medicine,” hoping it will signal the start of a new chapter for the beloved musician.
Overall, this album promises to reveal a more nuanced side of Grace Potter’s musical journey, highlighting her evolution beyond her rock roots and emphasizing the power of personal growth and community engagement within the music industry.