Jason Isbell performs in the Soundcheck studio.

Jason Isbell Confronts His Past Struggles On 'Southeastern'

Soundcheck | Jan 31, 2014

Jason Isbell got his start with the alt-country and Southern-rock band Drive-By Truckers, and he says that during those years, he was regularly drunk on stage. But now, after years of alcoholism, the Nashville-based singer-songwriter has gotten sober, is newly married to songwriter Amanda Shires, and leads his new band The 400 Unit. On his latest solo album, the superb Southeastern, Isbell details his longtime struggles with a new emotional openness.

That record turned many heads and found itself on many a best of 2013 list, thanks to threadbare songs and honest -- sometimes even humorous -- recountings of his former destructive lifestyle, maintaining relationships and confronting darkness and weakness. The result is among Isbell’s best work yet.

Hear Jason Isbell and Amanda Shires perform songs from Southeastern in the Soundcheck studio.

Set List:

  • "Live Oak"
  • "Different Days"
  • "Elephant"

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