Brittany Howard Reveals Why Alabama Shakes Reunited After 10 Years: A Story of Grief, Grace, and Good Timing

Alabama Shakes are back after a decade away, and the story behind their reunion is as genuine as you’d hope. Brittany Howard sat down with Anthony Mason for his‘Alchemy’series, filmed in his New York living room, and explained that there was no grand plan. The band got back together organically, starting with a benefit concert during the pandemic.“The timing has to feel right. It turned into,‘Let’s do this,'”she said. And just like that, the music started flowing again.

Howard also opened up about a deep personal loss that shaped her as an artist. She lost her older sister Jaime when she was a child, and she named her first solo album after her. It was her way of transforming grief into joy. On top of that, she shared a fascinating glimpse into her songwriting process.“I receive the song,”she said.“It’s my job to work as quickly as possible to get it out without editing.”Ideas hit her in the car or the shower, and she has to capture them before they slip away.

This interview is a must-watch for anyone who loves Alabama Shakes or appreciates honest, heartfelt conversations about creativity and healing. New episodes of‘Alchemy’air every other Wednesday on YouTube. Have you ever had a creative idea come to you out of nowhere? Share your story with us in the comments.