Experience the Fictional Future of Music with Punch Brothers

How the Idea for The Energy Curfew Music Hour Came to Be

Chris Thile and his wife, Claire Coffee, came up with the idea a long time ago. It was originally intended as a show within the show for Live From Here. They always envisioned a moment in the middle of the show where they would flash forward to a future like this. Gathering around one microphone, they were drawn to the sounds of old variety shows and their campy charm. Practically speaking, there was a lack of a platform for acoustic music, which Thile missed on Live From Here. He wanted to expand the show's scope and include a wider range of music.

Recording the eight-episode series in front of a live audience at the Minetta Lane Theatre in New York in early 2024, the Punch Brothers serve as co-hosts and house band. This exclusive Audible series showcases a cavalcade of all-star performances.

The Comfort and Dark Humor in The Energy Curfew Music Hour

There is a certain aspect to the show that harks back to old-time radio shows with one microphone. During the Dust Bowl and the Depression, the radio brought people together. In today's splintered society, the show provides a sense of comfort. However, there is also an element of dark humor throughout. It strikes a balance between shameless optimism and facing the reality of the situation. The extent to which life has changed in a short time is dramatic and potentially traumatic, but the show aims to offer a bit of escapism while still feeling real.

Listening to the show allows listeners to put themselves in those shoes and imagine the changes that could occur. It serves as a reminder of the importance of coming together and facing challenges as a society.

Collaboration with Claire Coffee and Its Impact

During the pandemic, Thile realized how he had relied on Claire's incredible taste as a sounding board for his work. He hired her to produce his solo record, Lay Songs, and then for Attention!, a new narrative live show. Working with her on these projects has been invaluable.

When it came to creating The Energy Curfew Music Hour, Thile remembered their idea and asked Claire to help make it a whole show. Claire's ability to strip away the unnecessary and identify what connects the writer to the audience has been a great asset. Their collaboration feels comfortable and natural, as she is not a musician by trade but brings a unique perspective.

Incredible Guests and Surprising Acoustic Performances

The first season of The Energy Curfew Music Hour features an impressive lineup of guests, including Norah Jones, Lake Street Dive, Jon Batiste, Kacey Musgraves, and James Taylor. Sylvan Esso's performance was particularly surprising.

They were excited to not do what they normally do and used the Punch Brothers like a laptop, muting and unmuting them in an analog setting. This moment of proof-of-concept opened up the show to a whole new level, leaving Thile in surprise and delight.

New Punch Brothers Songs and the Band's Future

The band feels brand new with the addition of Brittany Haas. Four-fifths of the band remains the same, but changing one component completely transforms the writing room, rehearsal room, and stage experience.

There are new Punch Brothers songs being written specifically for Energy Curfew, with an eye towards what's coming next. The band is in uncharted territory, and this new phase is very exciting for them.

Season One of The Energy Curfew Music Hour is now available via Audible for free to Amazon Prime members. Discover more about the show here.

Photo Credit: All photos by Avery Brunkus, courtesy of Audible.