Shakes reveal new album amid community aid drive

What's happened

Brittany Howard and her band have released It Goes On, a surprise 11-track album recorded during a community-driven project with Druid City Brewing. The release follows philanthropic performances supporting a local food pantry, with songs blending love and social commentary.

What's behind the headline?

Context and impact

The project began as an intimate gig and expanded into a full album, showing how community partnerships can catalyse creative output.
The political element in I Feel Hope Coming signals a broader trend where artists blend personal expression with public engagement.
By placing music within a charitable frame, the release highlights how artists leverage their platforms for social good.

What this suggests for audiences

Listeners will encounter songs that connect intimate relationships with larger civic concerns.
The project may attract new fans drawn by both the music and the charitable work surrounding it.

Forecast

The album could shape future collaborations between artists and local initiatives, encouraging more community-driven releases.

How we got here

Howard connected with Druid City Brewing’s Bo Hicks to perform for the brewery’s fundraiser, inspiring the formation of new material. The sessions grew into a full album that reflects personal growth and social observations, including the political-tinged track I Feel Hope Coming.

Our analysis

Independent reports on Brittany Howard and the Shakes outlining the charity collaboration and the album release; The Guardian coverage of Westside Cowboy and industry trends; Independent obituary coverage for Barry Mitchell provide context to Queen’s early lineup.

Go deeper

Will this charity-driven model become standard for indie artists?
How will fans respond to a politically charged track within a personal, melodic album?
What other artists are pursuing similar community-focused projects?