Ruston Kelly tore it all down on his new album — so he could build something better

Ruston Kelly‘s torn it all down on his new album, The Weakness, so he could build something better. The country singer calls it a foundation. “You might hit a road block here or there. You might step in a hole here or there. But by acknowledging something, you’re able to name it and know it.”

Produced by Nate Mercereau, The Weakness is Kelly’s most expansive album yet, playing with indie and emo rock sounds. It was recorded in the aftermath of his divorce from country star Kacey Musgraves. He wanted to take his time finding the right words — “My focus was a lot on protecting my own emotions but also protecting her heart.”

In this session, we talk about how his relocation to Portland, Tenn., and an inspired trip to Joshua Tree National Park set the table for The Weakness, and how a poor order at a gas station led to a fever dream songwriting session about the movie Multiplicity.