What inspired Returning to Myself?

A several-hundred-song playlist I listened to as a teenager while I was becoming a musician—returning to that version of myself. The songs I played literally dozens of times in a row without stopping. They were all deep cuts and side hustles. Songs other artists had covered: George Michael singing “I Can’t Make You Love Me,” Sinéad O’Connor singing “Sacrifice,” Annie Lennox’s “Pavement Cracks,” Tracy Chapman’s “The Promise,” R.E.M.’s “Everybody Hurts,” Céline Dion singing “All By Myself”… Songs absolutely overflowing with drama and emotion. Shamelessly expressive. That’s the only thing they had in common.

What’s your favorite moment on Act I?

One of my favorites was being able to sing with Sierra Ferrell on “Broken Wing Bird.” Such a lovely song. Makes me smile anytime I hear it.

What inspired I Must Be Dreaming?

Brittany Howard: There were so many inspirations. The chaos of the world around us inspired songs like “I Feel Hope Coming,” “American Dream” and “Tea Time.” Falling in love—and all the beauty that comes with it—inspired several others. But the biggest inspiration was simply the three of us coming together to make an album for the first time in 10 years. There’s such a deep connection between us and being back in a room together brought a spontaneity and electricity to these songs that I’m incredibly proud of.

What’s your favorite thing about “Ever Since You Left Me?”

My proudest moment is my brother Max B coming home after 18 years to a hit that’s going to last forever. That means more to me than anything. It’s also about trusting my ear and proving myself right. Picking a hit is hard, but I believed in this record from the beginning. Going #1 and topping both Rhythmic and Urban charts on radio as an independent artist has also been a great win for me and this record.