M. Ward: 2016

M.Ward might have one of the more enviable careers in music. These days, when you look at his résumé, you realize just how often you have heard him: as half of the musical duo, She & Him, with Zooey Deschanel, as one quarter of the supergroup Monsters of Folk, as a collaborator on too many other albums to mention, and in the producer's chair for a growing number of projects, most recently, the new Mavis Staples album.In addition to his collaborative efforts, he's churned out one quality album after another under his own name for over 15 years — M. Ward has become widely loved and respected for his distinctive vocal style and guitarwork. It’s been four years since his last release, so his fans were very excited to hear that the eighth M. Ward album, More Rain, would arrive this year.

That album is now here and on Ward's return visit to Studio A, we talked about how inspired he is by vocals, the many musicians and friends who assisted with the recording of More Rain, and if he could go back in time, his dream collaborator.

[recorded: 12/10/15]