“Sadness As a Gift”

Adrianne Lenker is a singer and songwriter. She’s the lead singer of the critically acclaimed and beloved band Big Thief, and her work as a solo artist is also critically acclaimed and beloved. Her most recent solo album, Bright Future, was named one of the best albums of 2024 by the New Yorker, Stereogum, and more, and it was nominated for a Grammy for Best Folk Album. It was co-produced by Adrianne and longtime collaborator Phil Weinrobe. And I talked to the two of them about the making of one of my favorite songs from it, “Sadness As a Gift.”

You can buy or stream “Sadness As a Gift” here.

Illustration by Carlos Lerma.

Nick Hakim – piano
Josefin Runsteen – violin, backing vocals
Mat Davidson – electric guitar, backing vocals