As an Alabama native living in Nashville, Anderson East's heart is torn between two cities. "Nashville has a lot to offer," says East. "But I like the pace of Alabama."

Anderson made a trip back to his home state to track Delilah, his third studio album. The title is a reference to a character in the book of Judges: "Delilah made the strongest man in the world [Samson] crumble," says East. As the grandson of a preacher, Anderson's musical foundation was formed in the church. It wasn't until he received a four-track tape recorder from his parents when he got into the production and engineering side of music.

But Anderson took the back seat when it came to producing Delilah. Following a solo performance at the Bluebird Cafe in Nashville, Anderson says, "[Dave Cobb] came up to me after the show and said, 'Hey Man, I'm a producer,' and I said, 'Cool, everybody is.'" After he learned Cobb produced records for Sturgill Simpson and Jason Isbell, the "gear nerds" developed a strong friendship by bonding in the studio, leading to the best recording experience Anderson has ever had. "I knew that he was capable. I wasn't worried about if the microphone was in the right place," says East. "It was the first time that I could step away and have total trust."

Delilah was recorded at the iconic Muscle Shoals Sound Studio in Sheffield, Alabama, just an hour drive from Anderson's hometown of Athens. Though East didn't realize his dream to work there until he left home and developed his own taste in music. "I was able to look at the back of some records and go, 'Oh! That record was made right down the street!'" says East.

Songs Performed

"Devil in Me"
"Only You"
"Satisfy Me"

All songs off Anderson East's latest album, Delilah, out now on Elektra Records.

Hosted by Mark Wheat
Produced by Derrick Stevens
Engineered by Rob Byers
Web feature by Leah Garaas

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