Introduction
“Turn Off the News (Build a Garden)” is the title track from Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real’s fifth studio album, released on June 14, 2019, by Fantasy Records . The song encapsulates the album’s central theme: encouraging listeners to disengage from the constant barrage of negative news and instead focus on nurturing their immediate environments and communities. Nelson articulates this vision by stating, “We wanted these songs to be fun and upbeat, but we also wanted to have something to say. Rock & roll began as a countercultural movement, so in the true spirit of rock & roll, we’re trying to encourage a lifestyle where people can be active in their local communities, rather than glued to a device” .
The track features backing vocals from Sheryl Crow and showcases the band’s blend of rock, country, soul, folk, and R&B influences . The recording sessions took place at Shangri-La in Malibu and the Village Studios in West L.A., with the band aiming for a live, analog sound by minimizing overdubs .
Critics have noted the song’s message of simplicity and community engagement as a refreshing counterpoint to contemporary societal anxieties . The album, including this track, received generally favorable reviews, with a Metacritic score of 76 .
“Turn Off the News (Build a Garden)” stands as a testament to Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real’s commitment to using music as a means of promoting positive social change and personal well-being.