St. Vincent Praises Dave Grohl Collaboration on New Album: “He Killed It”

Annie Clark, known as St. Vincent, has always been an artist who avoids taking the simple path, and her seventh studio album All Born Screaming is no exception.

While All Born Screaming is undeniably a St. Vincent creation, her knack for spotting talent has attracted significant star power for this project.

Topping the list is none other than drum icon and Foo Fighters frontman, Dave Grohl, whose powerful beats enhance two tracks on the album, “Broken Man” and “Flea.”

“Dave Grohl is a buddy, and he’s, well, Dave Grohl,” Clark told Rolling Stone Australia as she prepares for ALWAYS LIVE 2024. “I thought, ‘What if Dave Grohl played on this song?’ Then I remembered, oh, I can just ask him. He was totally down, so generous and cool, and just came over to my studio and killed it.”

For the versatile artist, Grohl’s contribution was more than just an exciting feature; it was a moment that connected her past with her present.

“He’s the best. I mean, he’s everything you want him to be,” St. Vincent shared with enthusiasm. “I wouldn’t be playing music if it wasn’t for the music of Dave Grohl and Nirvana, so it’s really a full-circle moment.”

Grohl isn’t the only notable name to feature on All Born Screaming. Clark also collaborated with several other talented musicians including Rachel Eckroth, Josh Freese, and Justin Meldal-Johnsen.

St. Vincent also highlighted the creative connection she had with singer-songwriter Cate Le Bon on the album’s title track.

“Cate’s one of my best friends and, honestly, my favorite modern songwriter,” she disclosed.

“I was at a point where I was almost done with the record but feeling burnt out. I brought Cate in to play bass on some songs and sing. She brought fresh energy and perspectives, which was so helpful.”

In addition to being the creative force behind All Born Screaming, Clark took on the role of producer for the first time, embracing the challenges that come with it. “It’s not for the faint of heart,” she admitted. “You wrestle with ego, self-doubt, and all kinds of internal struggles.”

St. Vincent has consistently made a strong impact on the Billboard 200 with several of her previous albums. Her 2009 album Actor reached No. 90, followed by Strange Mercy in 2011, which climbed to No. 19. Her collaboration with David Byrne, Love This Giant, in 2012 peaked at No. 23. Her self-titled album St. Vincent from 2014 reached No. 12, and her 2017 album Masseduction peaked at No. 10.