TRUE SADNESS is the most personal album in the Avett Brothers discography and it’s the basis for their documentary, MAY IT LAST. The film is an intimate behind-the-scenes look at the Grammy-nominated record.
The Avett Brothers are a folk duo that went from playing small dive bars in North Carolina to sold-out concerts at Madison Square Garden. I’m fortunate enough to have seen them several times in concert. Avett Brothers’ concerts are “life-changing” musical experiences. Their shows take audiences on an intimate journey that will “kick drum” start their “heart.”
The movie is a rare look at Scott and Seth Avett’s band. We get to watch the brothers cook with their families, relive their humble beginnings, and grapple with their creative process.
Speaking of the creative process, there’s a must-see moment for any music lover. The Avett Brothers are drained after recording the song, “No Hard Feelings.” It’s a lyrical rendition that captures the essence of peacefully dying. The brothers are congratulated by producer Scott Rudin and their film crew, but the emotions from the song are too much. Seth and Scott excuse themselves, go outside and talk about their art being traded for money/fame. What they gave audiences in that song are their blood, sweat, and tears. It’s the Avett Brothers at their rawest, capturing grief to perfection.
Two random side notes:
1. “No Hard Feelings is on my “Fun Home” (funeral music playlist).
2. In 2018, I saw them perform “No Hard Feelings” at the Santa Barbara Bowl. This was me and my wife pre-Niagra falls crying at the start of the show. If you have a chance to see them in concert before you die, DO IT.
If you need to be sold on why people love the Avett Brothers, watch MAY IT LAST on HBO Max.
