The Federales’ contemporary take on a the traditional honky-tonk sound is made for live performances and that’s exactly what we have with the video premiere of ‘Thanks for the Broken Heart’. When all the instruments kick in, the band create an impressive wall of sound that positively demands a physical response from the listener. All the way back in May 2019, this new single was recorded live at The Pearl in Minneapolis, and it is finally time to reveal it to fans – the first new music since last year’s well-received album ‘Honkytonks & Hangovers’. Written by vocalist Benjamin miller (whose solo material is also worth checking out), ‘Thanks for the Broken Heart’ is full of rhythm and fine melody. Miller’s lyrics possess a good-humoured defiance: “You showed me the door tonight // You won’t catch me crying, I’ll be fine // I’ve got better things to do with my time // Thanks for the broken heart.”
The Federales were formed in 2012 when Miller and guitarist James Gould bonded over a love of classic Americana, such as Townes Van Zandt, Gram Parsons and the Flying Burrito Brothers. They put together a group of like-minded musicians, including Jay Scabich on fiddle
and Karl Wahoske on banjo, and the result is a dynamic country-rock act, clearly inspired by, and rooted in, the sounds of the past while also maintaining a contemporary energy. As they put it, this is classic country for the modern world. This video of the live recording session for ‘Thanks for the Broken Heart’ is a great opportunity to see masterful musicians at work, lost in their music and giving you a foot-stepping good time. Enjoy.
