The National have released a new single. “Weird Goodbyes”, as it is called, was created in collaboration with Bon Ivers Justin Vernon and has been streamed since Monday at 6 p.m. The band has been teasing the song on their social media channels for days.
On Facebook it said something like this: “Last spring, the band reconvened at Long Pond to begin writing and recording new music that we’ve been working on ever since. ‘Weird Goodbyes’ featuring Bon Iver felt like the right track to share first and is one of a handful of new songs we’ve been performing on tour this summer. We’re so grateful to our friend Justin Vernon for joining us on this song.”
Listen to The National and Justin Vernon’s “Weird Goodbyes” streaming here:
Vocalist Matt Berninger shares, “It’s about letting go of the past and moving on, only to later be overwhelmed by thoughts of that time.” In addition to Vernon’s vocals, you can also hear the strings of the London Contemporary Orchestra, orchestrated by The National guitarist Bryce Dessner. His twin brother Aaron Dessner elaborates: ‘Weird Goodbyes’ was one of the first new songs we wrote. I was experimenting with a drum machine, using it in ways it wasn’t supposed to be used, and stumbled upon this beat that stuck in my head – it felt like something only Bryan could play naturally . We built the song around the beat. Matt’s tune and words felt so elegant and moving from the start – the sadness of losing innocence and motivation, holding onto memories and feelings that inevitably fade away, and the sadness we all suffer from strange goodbyes.” It came naturally and almost inevitably to feature with Vernon, says Dessner: “I could hear the voice and heart of our friend Justin in this song right from the start. We sent it to him and it moved him – he then sang it powerfully along with Matt.”
The National still haven’t officially announced a new album, but they did announce the fact that they were working on new music months ago. An Instagram post said, with greetings from the rehearsal room: “It’s great for the seven of us to finally be back together in a room working on music both fresh and familiar”. Back in March, guitarist Aaron Dessner explained that their next album would go back to their classic sound and carry a lot of energy. Twin brother Bryce Dessner recently confirmed to us in an interview that the new album is “almost ready”. It’s due out either late this year or early 2023 and already has a title. Unfortunately, I’m not allowed to say it, otherwise the others will kill me. Sorry,” Dessner said.
In June, The National played three concerts in Germany, including one in Berlin – here are our photos and various videos.
The National’s current album I AM EASY TO FIND was released in 2019. Before and after that they toured Europe again and again. Read our review of their concert in the Max-Schmeling-Halle in 2017 here. Singer Matt Berninger released his solo debut SERPENTINE PRISON in 2020. Guitarist Aaron Dessner worked as a producer and musician on Taylor Swift’s albums FOLKLORE and EVERMORE.
Bon Iver’s current album I, I was released in 2019.