NASHVILLE, TN (CelebrityAccess)—The multi-platinum-selling rock band Staind, fresh off celebrating two No. 1 Active Rock chart singles, “Here and Now” and “Lowest In Me” from their highly acclaimed album Confessions of the Fallen, has announced their first-ever female collaboration with rock vocalist Dorothy [Martin] (lead singer of the band Dorothy), titled “Better Days.”
The band, comprised of lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist Aaron Lewis, lead guitarist Mike Mushok, bassist and backing vocalist Johnny April, and drummer Sal Giancarelli, boasts a musical journey spanning over 25 years – with seven studio albums, eight Top 10 singles, and sales of over 15 million albums worldwide.
The Staind-only version of “Better Days” is the eighth track on the Confessions album. “Better Days feat. Dorothy” hit the airwaves today (April 19). This isn’t Staind’s first interaction with Dorothy, as she had opened up for the band on a few shows during their last tour run. You can listen to the track and watch the lyric video below.
In an interview with CelebrityAccess, frontman Lewis shared the genesis of the collaboration, revealing he never initially sought out a female vocalist to feature on a Staind song. Still, once someone in his camp suggested the idea, he became more open to it. “Dorothy’s impression on the band and myself during that time is noteworthy, and her voice is incredible. It wasn’t an immediate reaction to jump to a duet, but when someone suggested it, I said okay, let me see what we’ve got.”
Lewis said the song was birthed within the last few months with him on tour and Dorothy on the West Coast. “There’s so much you can do over the internet at both ends, and that came about during quarantine or at least was perfected. I could be in Nashville, and she could be in Los Angeles in two different studios and put something incredible together through the internet.” The collaboration between the two artists was organic, with Lewis stating, “Once we started tracking, I could tell the synergy was there. We didn’t have to pick harmonies, we didn’t have to analyze parts – they just happened.”
Dorothy stated: “I had a great time tracking “Better Days.” It’s a beautiful song, and I hope fans will connect with it. I’m so grateful to Aaron for the opportunity.”
As Lewis ended the interview to prepare for Staind’s next show, he added, “I’m stoked to have Dorothy on this with me – her talent and voice are incredible.”
