Q&A: GROUPLOVE Unveils Deluxe Edition of 'I Want It All Right Now', A Deeper Dive into Resistance and Absolution
Photo by Brantley Gutierrez
THE DELUXE EDITION OF THEIR SIXTH FULL-LENGTH ALBUM I WANT IT ALL RIGHT NOW, GROUPLOVE introduces six new songs that delve deeper into the thematic tapestry of resistance and absolution. Initially conceived during the same creative period as the original album, these additional tracks offer a fresh perspective on shaking off the expectation of perfection — as musicians, partners, and parents.
From the focus track, "Can You Feel My Love," exploring the journey of parenthood and sensory needs, to the energetic "Chances" and the vibrant live rendition of "All," featuring Jake Clemons from Bruce Springsteen's E Street Band, each song adds a new layer to the album's narrative. As the band gears up for a summer of festivals and a fall tour supporting P!nk, they reflect on the transformative power of live performances and the collaborative energy that fuels their songwriting process.
In an exclusive interview, GROUPLOVE shares insights into the creative process behind the deluxe tracks, reflecting on their evolution as artists and the raw emotions captured in the studio.
LUNA: The deluxe version of I Want It All Right Now breathes new life into the album. Can you talk about the creative process behind these additional songs and how they deepen the album's themes?
GROUPLOVE: These songs were written and recorded at the same time as I Want It All Right Now. We just decided to box them up and bring them home rather than release them — like leftovers from a great meal. (Sometimes the leftovers are better than the meal.)
LUNA: The original album explored resistance pop and reckoning. How do the deluxe tracks delve into the concept of absolution after letting go of perfection?
GROUPLOVE: I like to think of our songs as journal entries. The songs added to the deluxe were written in the same journal as I Want It All Right Now but don't necessarily lock into the album's theme. There is a lot of continued questioning and resistance in the deluxe songs - but there is no linear path in healing and that is really felt in these songs - pain, fear, resistance, love, lust is at the core of the deluxe.
LUNA: The focus track is about parenthood and sensory needs. Can you share more about this song's inspiration and your journey as parents?
GROUPLOVE: It is a song about love. The power of it. How abstract it is and how personal it is. It’s a vibration and a universal language. It’s not a song about sensory needs but having a daughter who has sensory needs has made my heart grow exponentially.
LUNA: GROUPLOVE has undergone a transformation, both musically and thematically. How does this growth reflect in the deluxe edition and your overall perspective as artists?
GROUPLOVE: One way or another we are growing up. With that comes a deeper understanding of ourselves and hopefully that honesty translates in the music.
LUNA: You've released the energetic "Chances" and the live rendition of "All." What made these songs the perfect choices to introduce the deluxe edition?
GROUPLOVE: There really wasn't a perfect choice so we followed our gut. We knew "Chances" would be a fun one live and wanted it out before our headlining spring tour. And we really wanted to feature Jake Clemons on saxophone on the live version of “All” because he’s a legend and friend.
LUNA: You're playing summer festivals and touring with P!nk this fall. How does performing live influence your songwriting and the evolution of your sound?
GROUPLOVE: Sometimes on stage there are these moments where everything feels like it slows way down, time stretches out and there is a palpable exchange of energy between our band and audience and I understand this is what it feels like to be in a flow state. A flow state is often where we write from as well. I just want to stay in that flow state forever.
LUNA: Hannah describes the album as "resistance pop." How did producer John Congleton help capture this raw energy and incandescent sound?
GROUPLOVE: The magic of John is that he’s really good at what he does so that we can move quickly when we are in the studio. When you move quickly, you can capture something honest without getting hung up on anything besides getting the real raw emotions of the song across.
LUNA: I Want It All Right Now is a bold evolution in songwriting. How does it connect back to the honesty you established with Never Trust a Happy Song?
GROUPLOVE: All the music feels very connected because we wrote it but at the same time I don’t even remember who we were when we wrote Never Trust. The friendships in this band have really deepened over the years and with that comes a trust to unravel and experiment more together. At some point being really vulnerable in front of one another was uncomfortable, probably because I was uncomfortable with myself but now it’s completely liberating.
LUNA: The album aims to awaken listeners' intuition. How do you hope the deluxe edition resonates with fans on a deeper level?
GROUPLOVE: I don’t really think that far ahead. I feel lucky if they listen and then let’s see what happens.
