Grace Potter is set to release her long-shelved album “Medicine,” produced by T Bone Burnett, nearly 17 years after its initial creation. While reminiscing about uncovering forgotten treasures during home cleaning, Potter reflected on her experience working with Burnett—a time filled with artistic exploration that diverged from her previous rock sound. Despite the album’s completion in 2008, it was shelved due to record label concerns around branding and the emphasis on her collaboration with the Nocturnals.
Potter, loyal to her band, felt pressure not to deviate from their established identity and, initially, faced resistance from her bandmates regarding her solo project. The label worried that the introspective nature of “Medicine,” characterized by Americana influences and a more subdued sound, might undermine the momentum they had built as a rock group. This trade-off ultimately led to the album being set aside.
Presenting “Medicine” now, Potter notes her growth and newfound appreciation for the music. The vintage-inspired melodies and soulful tracks mark a significant evolution in her sound, allowing her to hear the music as a listener rather than as the artist. The singles reveal a transformation, blending her older rock style with fresh, sultry influences.
Though she is gearing up for a tour alongside Chris Stapleton, Potter’s focus remains on her Grand Point North music festival, which will return in 2025, emphasizing support for the arts in Vermont. Additionally, she continues her work in film and with various artists. Potter humorously speculates about future projects, hinting at the possibility of an EDM album decades from now.
