Lumineers unearth Isabelle Fly for Dualtone 25th
Dualtone Records is celebrating a quarter-century milestone by looking back at the journey and pressing forward into the future. The Nashville indie label is set to release Keep Pressing On: 25 Years of Dualtone on December 4th, a rich 17-song compilation packed with rarities and covers that showcase the spirit of independent artistry.
At the heart of the collection is a particularly poignant track: the Lumineers’ previously unheard song, “Isabelle Fly.” This song carries a special history, tying directly into the label’s founding ethos and the deep relationships forged between artists and the organization.
The compilation pays homage to the artists who have shaped the Dualtone sound, bringing together talent from past and present, including flipturn, Mt. Joy, Shakey Graves, Kathleen Edwards, and Langhorne Slim. It honors the artist-first ethos established by co-founder Scott Robinson and the late president and partner, Paul Roper, whose legacy continues to inspire the label.
Adding to the retrospective, Jack Van Cleaf joins the celebration by including a cover of Kris Kristofferson’s “Best of All Possible Worlds,” complete with an official video.
The story of “Isabelle Fly” itself is a reminder of the personal touch that defines the label. The Lumineers shared that the song is inseparable from their memories of Paul Roper. They recalled a time when, following their debut album release in 2012, they encountered the label head during a Nashville gig. Instead of grand gestures, Roper offered a simple, defining gesture: “his bounty of Dominoes Pizza and a 12-pack of Stella’s.”
“As we ate and drank, we felt looked after,” the band shared. “Although it was a small gesture, it defined what Paul and Dualtone have done for us all these years. They do the little things and manage to always show up. It’s a rare quality in a label and a person, and we’re grateful for it.”
The Lumineers admitted that while “Isabelle Fly” never truly took flight, it was loved, and they were glad it could finally be shared on this 25-year compilation.
Dualtone’s anniversary celebrations are gearing up for a lively event next week at AmericanaFest. The festivities include a special panel titled “Dualtone at 25: Keep Pressing On” on September 16th, followed by the label’s 25th-anniversary bash at The Basement East the following day. The showcase will feature a compelling lineup, including Houndmouth, Shakey Graves, The Brook & The Bluff, Langhorne Slim, Futurebirds, Abraham Alexander, Aubory Bugg, and other special guests. Kathleen Edwards is also recognized, having received a nomination for Album of the Year at the Americana Honors & Awards for Billionaire, with Shakey Graves and Langhorne Slim presenting awards at the ceremony.
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