Carl Broemel from My Morning Jacket talks to Atwood Magazine about his music journey from both the artist's and audience's perspectives, the spiritual essence of their tenth album ‘is,’ and how, after twenty-five years, their live performances continue to be the band's core and the stage their true sanctuary.
Stream: ‘Is’ – My Morning Jacket
Music represents much more than a mere passion; it serves as a way of life, a guiding principle, and for many, a calling of sorts. It helps us interpret the world, fosters connections with one another, and keeps us anchored amidst constant change. In essence, it simply exists.
For Carl Broemel of My Morning Jacket, music embodies all of this and beyond: a lifelong endeavor that has transitioned from youthful enthusiasm to a consistent, soul-enriching beat – one that continues to resonate with profound emotion. With two decades dedicated to the band, Broemel remains deeply involved and invigorated by the creative process, inspired by curiosity, camaraderie, and an ever-refreshing sense of mission. From their innovative origins to the assertiveness of their newest release, is, My Morning Jacket exemplifies the art of sustainability – not through following fleeting trends or nostalgically clinging to the past, but by immersing themselves fully, year after year, in the music’s essence: cherishing not just their art form but also the live performances, the human connections, and the community that arises from them.
For Broemel and his bandmates (vocalist/guitarist Jim James, bassist Tom Blankenship, drummer Patrick Hallahan, and keyboardist Bo Koster), is signifies a noteworthy achievement. Recorded at the renowned Henson Studios with esteemed producer Brendan O’Brien (known for his work with Bruce Springsteen and Pearl Jam), the band's tenth album is cohesive, concentrated, and filled with vigor. While their 2021 self-titled My Morning Jacket embraced a free-spiritedness and lengthy jams, is is crafted with precision and purpose, designed to shine in live performance settings. “We’re perpetually releasing an album in one way,” reflects Broemel, highlighting the band’s live recordings post-show. “Yet, I believe our true environment is the live aspect.”
Speaking openly with Atwood Magazine, Broemel delves into the creative process behind is, detailing the band’s collaborative methods in songwriting and arrangement, as well as their studio ethos that highlighted pacing and energy flow. He discusses My Morning Jacket’s internal dynamics, the valuable lessons they've learned about collaboration, and how a simple query – “What if we took it one more step?” – guided the creation of one of their most unified records to date.
Despite the meticulous effort put into is, the band remains focused on what truly matters. “A show is alive,” Broemel states. “A recording is a relic.” Whether discussing the evolution of new arrangements mid-tour or finally perfecting an old track like “Half A Lifetime,” his words convey a steadfast belief that music is intended to grow, breathe, and forge connections. With is, My Morning Jacket has produced an album designed to reach its fullest expression under the stage lights.
These songs are not merely crafted for performance—they demand to be experienced in real time. The entrancing opener “Out in the Open” establishes the mood with a slow, persistent tempo and a tranquil sense of uplift; Jim James’ voice becomes a source of stability in ambiguity as he sings, “Well, I know the past is hazy and the future scares you, too / But I feel my heart is breaking in the present without you.”
The band's message of unwavering hope emerges gracefully, akin to sunlight illuminating a valley:
Out in the open the night runs cold
But with the dawn, our world’s aglow
In the light of the sun, the waters run
Into the valley below
Following this, is transitions seamlessly through varying emotions and textures—the dynamic beat and strong groove of “Half a Lifetime,” the dreamy sparkles of “I Can Hear Your Love,” the bluesy edge of “Squid Ink,” and the lush, delightful warmth of “Time Waited.” With its glowing pedal steel, sweeping melodies, and slowly building emotional release, “Time Waited” embodies the spirit of a sunrise—inviting listeners to relax, reflect, and advance with open hearts.
“I’m a pedal steel player,” Broemel shares, “and the song draws inspiration from a Buddy Emmons track from many years ago. I was thrilled to spotlight Buddy since he’s a hero.” Grounded in its reiterated chorus—“If we don’t watch out (time waited), time will run off on us / But if we move right now (time waited), all of the world’s here for us, ain’t no spare time”—the song serves as a contemplation on urgency and grace, a reminder to remain fully engaged in the present moment. It conveys a message of presence
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Carl Broemel of My Morning Jacket speaks with Atwood Magazine about his perspective on music as both a creator and a listener, the inspiring essence behind their tenth album ‘is,’ and how, after twenty-five years, the live performance continues to be the core of the band, with the stage being their genuine sanctuary.