The Making of Family – A Journey of Collaboration, Legacy, and Celebration
When we set out to make Family, we knew it had to be more than just an album. It needed to reflect everything that has made Southern Avenue what it is today—the connections we’ve built, the ups and downs we’ve shared, and the incredible people who’ve played a role in our journey. This album is as much about our band as it is about our story, our roots, and the family we’ve created along the way.
Working with Tierinii and TK to write Family was an experience I’ll never forget. From the very first songs we wrote together, there was this undeniable energy. We’ve been through so much as a band, and writing this album felt like capturing the essence of all that experience. It was about finding our voices, our collective truth, and expressing it through the music. Every song is a part of our journey, and together, we shaped Family into something that feels like a reflection of who we are, both as musicians and as people.
One of the most special parts of this process was the opportunity to collaborate with Luther Dickinson on two tracks, "Sisters" and "We Are." Luther’s been a huge influence on us, and getting to work with him felt like the ultimate full-circle moment. He not only helped us craft these songs, but he also played bass on half of the album. His contributions brought a whole new dimension to the music. We were able to tap into that deep Memphis blues tradition with him, and he brought out the best in all of us. Working with Luther was like playing with family—it just clicked, and the energy was undeniable.
But Family isn’t just about the music or the process—it’s also a celebration of the people who’ve been integral to our story. One person who is so deeply woven into the fabric of this album is Blake, our late bassist. Blake’s spirit is all over Family. He was an irreplaceable part of our band, and his presence will always be felt in everything we do. This album is a tribute to him and to his huge influence on our sound and our story. Blake helped build this band, and his legacy lives on in these songs. We’re proud to carry his memory with us as we move forward.
As we were making this record, we had the incredible privilege of working with Boo Mitchell at Royal Studios. Boo’s understanding of Memphis music and the blues is unparalleled. He’s not just a producer; he’s a guardian of this city’s musical legacy. His deep knowledge of the sound, combined with his intuitive approach in the studio, brought Family to life in a way that we could have only dreamed of. Boo knows how to capture the essence of Memphis—its heart, its grit, its soul—and he brought that understanding to every note we played. Working with him was a true honor, and it made the whole process feel like an even deeper connection to the city we call home.
Writing Family chronologically was a different experience for us—one that felt personal and real. We started at the beginning, letting each song reflect where we were at that moment in time, and we stuck with that approach throughout the whole process. It wasn’t always easy, but there was something incredibly powerful about letting the album unfold like a story. As we wrote each song, we could see the growth, the changes, and the evolution of who we were as a band, and as people, over the years. It allowed us to tap into a genuine emotion that flowed from one track to the next. We didn’t have to force anything—it was like watching our own journey play out in real-time, which made the entire process feel more like a natural reflection of life itself. And when we finished, Family felt like a story we had been telling all along, a story that was meant to be shared.
In many ways, Family is a love letter to Memphis, to the bond we share as a band, and to the people who’ve supported us throughout our journey. It’s a celebration of the highs and the lows, the growth, and the perseverance. This album is the result of years of hard work, collaboration, and a shared vision of what we can achieve together. It’s about the family we’ve built, and we couldn’t be more proud to share it with you.
Thank you for being a part of this journey with us. We can’t wait to get on the road and play these new songs for you. This album is for you, the people who’ve supported us every step of the way. Family is here, and we hope you can feel the love and the energy that went into making it.
Pre-order Family Now and be among the first to hear it when it drops on April 25th.
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