Julien Baker and Torres Unveil Their Country Collaboration: Send A Prayer my Way
indie music veterans julien Baker and Torres have officially announced their highly anticipated collaborative country album, send A Prayer My Way, set to release on April 18 via Matador Records. The duo, both hailing from the South—Baker from Tennessee and Torres from Georgia—have long been influenced by country music, but this marks their first foray into the genre as collaborators.
The project has been years in the making. Rumors of a joint album began circulating after the two performed together at a 2016 Chicago show. Since then, they’ve been teasing fans with live performances and singles, building excitement for what promises to be a heartfelt and genre-defying record.
A Journey to Send A Prayer My Way
last October, Torres joined Julien Baker onstage in New York to debut two new songs. The momentum continued in December when they performed their single “sugar In The Tank” on The tonight Show. The track, which they later released as a single, showcases their seamless harmonies and storytelling prowess.
The duo also played a surprise set at New York’s Mercury Lounge,where they debuted additional songs from the album and paid homage to their influences with covers of songs: Ohia’s “Farewell Transmission” and Tim McGraw’s “Something like That.”
“sylvia”: A Tribute to Unconditional Love
Alongside the album announcement, Baker and Torres shared “Sylvia,” a poignant track inspired by Torres’ dog. The song’s lyrics play on the wandering-lover trope but are deeply personal.
“The morning I went to pick up my dog Sylvia from an upstate shelter,I was at home making my coffee and I turned on WFMU and Dolly Parton’s ‘Cracker Jack’ was on. I burst into tears — it felt like the universe was telling me she was going to be mine,” Torres explained. “I remember thinking that I’d love to write a song like that, a song that people could feel in their chest within five seconds of turning on the radio, because anyone who has ever had the honor of sharing a home with a beloved pet knows that a pet is family — they’re the best friends you could ever have.”
The accompanying video, shot primarily at their mercury Lounge show, features a cameo from Lucy dacus, adding a layer of camaraderie to the project.
The Tracklist and Production
Send A Prayer My Way was co-produced by Sarah Tudzin of Illuminati Hotties,blending Baker and Torres’ indie sensibilities with classic country elements. The album’s 12 tracks promise a mix of introspection, storytelling, and raw emotion.
| Tracklist |
|—————-|
| 01 “dirt” |
| 02 “The Only Marble I’ve Got Left” |
| 03 “Sugar In The Tank” |
| 04 “Bottom Of A Bottle” |
| 05 “Downhill Both Ways” |
| 06 “No Desert Flower” |
| 07 “Tape Runs Out” |
| 08 “Off The Wagon” |
| 09 “Tuesday” |
| 10 “Showdown” |
| 11 “Sylvia” |
| 12 “Goodbye Baby” |
Why This Album Matters
Baker and Torres’ collaboration is more than just a genre experiment—it’s a celebration of their Southern roots and shared musical heritage. By blending their indie backgrounds with country influences, they’re creating a sound that feels both nostalgic and fresh.
As fans eagerly await the release,Send A Prayer My Way stands as a testament to the power of collaboration and the enduring appeal of storytelling through music.
Pre-order the album and immerse yourself in the world of Julien Baker and Torres. Don’t forget to watch the “Sylvia” video and let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
Exploring Julien Baker and Torres’ Country-Inspired Album: Send A Prayer My Way
Indie music veterans Julien Baker and Torres have joined forces to create a genre-defying album that blends thier indie roots with classic country influences. Titled Send A Prayer My Way, teh album is set to release on April 18 under Matador Records. In this exclusive interview, Senior Editor of world-today-news.com, Amanda Carter, sits down with music critic and country music specialist, Ethan Mitchell, to delve into the significance of this collaboration, the album’s themes, and its impact on both indie and country music landscapes.
The Origins of the Collaboration
Amanda Carter: Ethan,let’s start at the beginning. Julien Baker and Torres are both known for their indie work. What led them to collaborate on a country-inspired album like Send A Prayer My Way?
Ethan Mitchell: Grate question, Amanda. Both artists have always had strong ties to the South—Baker from Tennessee and Torres from Georgia. Growing up in thes regions, they were undoubtedly influenced by the storytelling and emotional depth of country music. This album feels like a natural progression for them. It’s a party of their roots and a way to pay homage to the genre that shaped their musical identities. Their collaboration began back in 2016 when they performed together in chicago, and the chemistry was undeniable. Over the years, they’ve been teasing fans with live performances and singles, building anticipation for this full-length project.
The Creative Process and Production
Amanda Carter: The album was co-produced by Sarah Tudzin of illuminati Hotties. How did her involvement shape the sound of Send A Prayer My Way?
Ethan Mitchell: Sarah Tudzin’s role was crucial. She’s known for her ability to merge different genres seamlessly.With Send A Prayer My Way, she helped balance Baker and Torres’ indie sensibilities with classic country elements. The result is an album that feels both nostalgic and fresh. You can hear it in tracks like “Sugar In The Tank”, where the harmonies and storytelling are just impeccable. It’s a testament to the power of collaboration—bringing together their voices, Sarah’s production, and their shared love for country music.
The Emotional Core: “Sylvia”
Amanda Carter: One of the standout tracks is “Sylvia,” which Torres wrote as a tribute to her dog. Can you tell us more about the story behind this song?
Ethan Mitchell: Absolutely. “Sylvia” is deeply personal for Torres. She wrote it after adopting her dog from a shelter. The song’s lyrics play on the wandering-lover trope, but it’s really about unconditional love and the bond between a pet and their human. Torres has mentioned how hearing Dolly Parton’s “Cracker Jack” on the radio the morning she picked up Sylvia felt like a sign from the universe.The track captures that raw emotion and universality—anyone who’s ever loved a pet can relate. The music video, filmed during their Mercury Lounge show, adds another layer of intimacy, especially with Lucy Dacus making a cameo.
The Album’s Impact and Legacy
Amanda Carter: Why do you think this album matters, not just for Baker and Torres but for the music industry as a whole?
Ethan mitchell: This album is more than just a genre experiment—it’s a statement about the power of collaboration and storytelling. By blending indie and country, Baker and Torres are creating a sound that bridges generations and genres. It’s a reminder that music doesn’t have to fit into neat boxes to be impactful. Send A Prayer My Way is a celebration of their Southern roots, their shared musical heritage, and the enduring appeal of raw, emotional storytelling through music. I believe it will inspire other artists to explore similar cross-genre collaborations and push creative boundaries.
Conclusion
Amanda Carter: Ethan, thank you for sharing your insights. It’s clear that Send A prayer My Way is a deeply personal and innovative project for Julien Baker and Torres. As fans eagerly await its release,this album stands as a testament to the power of collaboration,the beauty of storytelling,and the timeless appeal of country music.
