Four Tet and William Tyler Embrace Late ’80s Vibes in New Album

Explore the unique fusion of late ’80s American folk and country influences in Four Tet and William Tyler’s new album, capturing nostalgic vibes with a modern twist.

A Fresh Collaboration Born from Nostalgia

Kieran Hebden, better known as Four Tet, recently wowed thousands of fans as he headlined his very own two-day festival at Under the K Bridge Park in Brooklyn, NY. Riding this creative high, he has teamed up once again with guitarist William Tyler to release their full-length album 41 Longfield Street Late ‘80s, a follow-up to their 2023 single Darkness, Darkness.

Launching on September 19 through Temporary Residence Ltd., this seven-track project is anchored by an eleven-minute cover of Lyle Lovett’s “If I Had a Boat.” Dive into this mesmerizing reinterpretation below and experience the dreamy blend of folk and experimental soundscapes.

Four Tet and William Tyler join forces for '41 Longfield Street Late ’80s’

How It All Began: A Meeting of Minds and Memories

Hebden and Tyler’s musical journey started back in 2013 at the Bonnaroo festival, where their paths crossed. Their initial collaboration on Darkness, Darkness was a remote effort, but things took a new turn in early 2022 when they convened at a Los Angeles studio. Interestingly, this was right after Floating Points had wrapped up the acclaimed album Promises with Pharoah Sanders.

Reflecting on their creative process, Hebden shares,

“We discussed references for an album and Godspeed You! Black Emperor, Fennesz and AM oldies radio stations came up. But the main influence was found when we discovered a shared deep connection to ‘80s American country and folk music – artists like Lyle Lovett, Nanci Griffith and Joe Ely.”

His personal ties to the genre ran deep, too:

“My father was a huge fan of this sound and through my teenage years I heard this music most days and was taken to see loads of performances. The guitar player David Grissom made a huge impact on me as a kid learning to play. It’s not an influence that I usually mention, but it’s in there more than I realize and must have helped me develop my sound and ideas.”

Shared Roots Across Continents

What makes this collaboration even more special is the realization that William Tyler’s background intertwined with Hebden’s in surprising ways. Tyler’s father worked as a songwriter in Nashville during the same era and even knew some of the influential musicians Hebden admired, including David Grissom.

“William had grown up with this music as well and knew all the stuff that I was talking about and we both felt that it had shaped our styles. Our idea for the album was to make music that focused on that influence and brought it to the front of our awareness. We’d record the guitars in the studio, exploring styles and sounds from that music, and then I’d take it all home to my computer and bring it into my other world,” Hebden explains.

A Patient, Layered Creative Process

The album’s making was a slow and thoughtful endeavor. Hebden spent nearly two years refining the digital side of the project, sending tracks back and forth to Tyler, who added overdubs and fresh ideas in response. Sometimes the guitars would dissolve entirely into digital fragments, creating intricate rhythmic textures.

This patient process allowed them to shape a sound that was both nostalgic and fresh — a reflection of their teenage musical experiences gifted to them by their fathers.

A Blend of Genres and Generations

Tyler reflects on their musical bond:

“While we initially bonded over a mutual love of a lot of late ‘90s post rock, I was kinda shocked (in the best way) that Kieran was so versed in ’80s Americana. Not so much my world, but definitely a world I grew up around. I never thought that a connection with someone like Kieran would end up coming down to both of our dads and their mutual love of a certain kind of music. I grew up in Nashville, he grew up in London. But we heard things the same way, I think.”

The duo’s approach to the album was organic and free from deadlines. Tyler says,

“I just knew that when Kieran felt like it was done, it would be done. I think we both want to recontextualize a lot of music that we grew up with, regardless of the genre, and I think that’s what this album reflects. It’s a lot of nostalgia but it’s also very forward-focused. I don’t even know what genre I’m supposed to be in at this point, but I trust Kieran and I love what we’ve done together. He’s become a dear friend and I can’t wait to see what’s ahead for us.”

Experience the Sound

Their work beautifully merges late ’80s Americana influences with modern sonic experimentation, producing a sound that’s both familiar and innovative. Whether you’re a fan of folk, country, or experimental electronic music, this album promises something unique and deeply resonant.

Wrapping It Up

This collaboration between Four Tet and William Tyler is a heartfelt journey into a shared musical past, reimagined for today’s listeners. It’s a testament to how nostalgia can inspire innovation and friendship across continents.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What inspired Four Tet and William Tyler’s new album?
  Their shared love for late ’80s American country and folk music, particularly artists like Lyle Lovett, Nanci Griffith, and Joe Ely, inspired the album.
• How long did it take to make the album?
  The album’s digital production phase alone took almost two years, with ongoing collaboration between Hebden and Tyler.
• Is this album a departure from Four Tet’s usual style?
  While Four Tet is known for electronic music, this project blends folk and country influences with his signature electronic touches, creating a unique fusion.
• Where did Hebden and Tyler first meet?
  They met at the 2013 Bonnaroo festival and started collaborating remotely before meeting in person in 2022.
• What’s special about the cover of “If I Had a Boat”?
  This eleven-minute rendition is a centerpiece of the album, turning the classic Lyle Lovett song into an immersive, textured experience.

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