Duane Betts has a new album coming, and every track unveiled from it deepens the picture of what ‘Isle of Hope’ represents. “Best Wishes” is out now, the latest preview of the 10-track record arriving June 12th via Sun Records, his first project in partnership with the label.
“Life is like this constant accumulation of experiences,” Betts says of the song. “Sometimes, they come so fast that they kind of pile up before we can fully appreciate them. The idea of ‘Best Wishes’ is a reminder to take some time to reflect and appreciate those experiences.”
‘Isle of Hope’ was produced by Dave Cobb and recorded in just 5 days at Cobb’s studio in Savannah, GA. The album’s emotional centerpiece, “Heartache,” honors the second anniversary of the passing of Betts’ father, beloved singer and guitarist Dickey Betts, making this record as much a tribute as a personal document. The album was created during a period when Betts was simultaneously at a peak in his career and confronting profound loss, and that tension runs through every track.
‘Isle of Hope’ follows his 2023 debut solo album ‘Wild & Precious Life,’ which featured Derek Trucks, Marcus King, and Nicki Bluhm and earned widespread acclaim. Before his solo work, Betts co-founded The Allman Betts Band alongside Devon Allman in 2018, releasing 2 studio albums and touring relentlessly, including the annual Allman Betts Family Revival with guests including Jason Isbell, Robert Randolph, Jimmy Hall, Charlie Starr, and Marcus King.
Betts and his band Palmetto Motel tour through the fall, with stops including New York’s Gramercy Theatre, West Hollywood’s Troubadour, Raleigh’s Lincoln Theatre, Madison’s Majestic Theatre, and 2-night runs at Evanston’s Space and Mill Valley’s Sweetwater Music Hall.
‘Isle of Hope’ is out June 12th via Sun Records.