We’ve been loving Nickel Creek’s latest single “Strangers,” Keith’s DJ pick of the week! Released in late January 2023, “Strangers” is a single off the band’s upcoming album Celebrants, set to release in March.
Nickel Creek, comprised of Chris Thile (mandolin), Sara Watkins (fiddle), and Sean Watkins (guitar) just announced their first album in nine years. This announcement included new tour dates which the band already sold out at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium this spring – presented by yours truly! Listeners are already looking forward to Celebrants, produced by Eric Valentine and featuring bass part by Mike Elizondo. Elizondo has worked with the likes of 50 cent and Fiona Apple, and more.
The album itself will be a journey searching for “harmonious human connection,” at least that’s how it starts. Somewhere along the way, Nickel Creek is struck with a harsh realization: “Truly harmonious connection can only be achieved through the dissonance that we’ve spent our entire adult lives trying to avoid”, the band shares.
“Strangers” is a song exploring the mixed emotions that one feels upon meeting up with an old friend. Whether it’s a reunited friendship or an old fling, the lyrics question if the “well’s run dry” on this relationship. The song begins with a soft acoustic guitar riff and light rhythmic percussion. As soon as the trio’s harmony comes in, “Strangers” evokes the emotion of comforting old memories met with newfound nerves. This folk-bluegrass ballad manages to feature production that is both incredibly soothing as well as it is catchy. The instrumental solos throughout the song leave the listener entranced in a beautiful blend of violin, guitar, and mandolin.
As “Strangers” is the first single off the anticipated record Celebrants, stay tuned for upcoming releases via their website. If you weren’t able to snag tickets for their tour this April, the waitlist is still open! You won’t wanna miss this one.
Listen to the live performance of “Strangers” on YouTube below:
Tune in to 100.1 FM and lightning100.com all week to hear “Strangers” by Nickel Creek, Keith’s DJ Pick of the Week. Share your thoughts on the track by tagging #L100DJPicks on Twitter.
