As the indie-pop project Flock of Dimes gears up for the release of The Life You Save, frontwoman Jenn Wasner is stepping into a new phase of artistic vulnerability. Scheduled for release on October 10 via Sub Pop, the album represents a shift not only in musical tone but in personal narrative. Unlike her previous work, which often reflected on past events from a distance, Wasner’s new songs document a raw, ongoing process—one deeply rooted in her struggle with addiction and co-dependency.
Speaking about the album, Wasner described the work as “reporting from inside of a process that is ongoing and unfinished.” This approach sets The Life You Save apart from earlier Flock of Dimes records, such as 2021’s Head of Roses, which explored the aftermath of a breakup and the search for self in solitude. That album, created largely in isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic, was praised for its introspective tone and sonic sophistication. However, while Head of Roses carried a retrospective gaze, The Life You Save is firmly situated in the present—unguarded and emotionally exposed.
The album’s lead single, “Long After Midnight,” exemplifies this shift. Accompanied by a minimalist video directed by Spencer Kelly, the song is presented in a stripped-back acoustic format. In the video, Wasner performs in a sparsely decorated room while movers pack her belongings—a metaphorical and literal depiction of emotional clearing. This visual starkness amplifies the song’s intimate feel and highlights her intention to be transparent with her audience.
Wasner has long been recognized for her ability to blend lyrical nuance with experimental sounds. Her early acclaim came as one half of Wye Oak, whose 2011 album Civilian earned national recognition for its haunting melodies and lyrical depth. Since branching into her solo project as Flock of Dimes, she has continued to explore themes of identity, isolation, and emotional resilience. Her 2016 debut under the moniker, If You See Me, Say Yes, was an elegant, synth-pop-influenced album that received critical praise for its songwriting and sonic clarity.
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With The Life You Save, Wasner moves from observation to immersion. The album’s tracklist—featuring songs like “Afraid,” “Keep Me in the Dark,” and “I Think I’m God”—suggests a journey through fear, self-confrontation, and spiritual reckoning. Co-produced by Wasner herself and recorded between North Carolina and Los Angeles, the project marks a continued evolution in both sound and substance.
The release of this new body of work is accompanied by a nationwide fall tour, kicking off in Philadelphia on November 6 and concluding in Los Angeles on December 5. Wasner is set to perform in intimate venues across major cities including New York, Washington D.C., Seattle, and San Francisco. These live shows offer fans the opportunity to experience her new material in settings that match the personal, introspective quality of the music.
Beyond the album and tour, Wasner’s journey represents a broader cultural movement within the indie music scene—one that embraces imperfection and emotional transparency. As artists increasingly use their platforms to explore mental health and personal struggle, Wasner’s willingness to expose her vulnerabilities stands out. Her hope, she says, is that the music will resonate with those who are “still learning how to love and live for themselves.”
By candidly addressing her ongoing recovery and internal battles, Wasner invites listeners into her healing process. It’s not about offering answers or closure, but about holding space for uncertainty. That authenticity, paired with her continued artistic innovation, solidifies her place as one of indie pop’s most compelling voices.