Why The Worry [LP]

Seth Walker - Why The Worry [LP]

Acclaimed singer-songwriter and guitarist Seth Walker returns with a new album, Why The Worry, arriving April 4 through Royal Potato Family. Walker also shared the lead single, “Up On The Mountain,” inspired by The Band and others

Walker co-produced his 12th studio album with Brook Sutton and Jano Rix. He also co-wrote with Rix’s The Wood Brothers band-mate Oliver Wood on the Why The Worry title track. Additionally, Walker co-wrote with Band of Heathens‘ Ed Jurdi on “Midway Girl.” Seth also included a bevy of choice covers on Why The Worry, including songs by Bill Withers, Michael Kiwanuka, J.J. Cale, Al Green and Bobby Charles. 

The title for Why The Worry is a mantra Walker adopted as the album saw a series of setbacks, namely Hurricane Helene, which hit North Carolina, where Seth lives, particularly hard.

“It was gut-wrenching seeing all of the devastation to my community,” he said of Helene’s impact. “It really made me take a pause and wonder what am I doing here, what’s the point. I’d already been thinking about calling the album Why The Worry. After a little time getting my feet back under me following the storm, that guiding principle returned. The worry wouldn’t undo any damage, and there was still service in song.”

Walker’s home in North Carolina also figured into Why The Worry lead single, “Up On The Mountain,” as he explained:

“A few summers back, I moved to Fairview, North Carolina, just outside of Asheville, up on a clearing that looks out over the big blue ridge. This place is quiet. Just birds going about their business, the leaves in the breeze, a few distant dogs barking, and the voices in my head. I channeled this feeling of finding myself up on this mountain at ease in my spirit away from the incessant chatter and noise that everyday life has a way of pummeling you with. A peaceful place and a joyful sound. Musically, I pulled inspiration from that old southern roots and rock vibe of The Band, Leon Russell, and J.J. Cale.”