Little Big Town’s 12th studio album, It’s a Dying Art, sees the long-running country group deliberately moving beyond its established sound rather than relying on past success. Co-produced by Karen Fairchild and Gena Johnson, the record emphasises imperfect human performances, live collaboration and musical experimentation at a time when the pair believe technology, including AI, risks making songwriting less personal.

The band — Fairchild, Kimberly Schlapman, Philip Sweet and Jimi Westbrook — has performed together since 1998 and has earned Grammy and CMA awards for songs including “Pontoon”, “Better Man” and “Girl Crush”. The new album, released on Friday, includes Jason Isbell’s guitar on “The Door” and draws comparisons with artists such as Rufus Wainwright, Crosby, Stills and Nash, and Fleetwood Mac; Fairchild says the group avoided using AI for songwriting and valued natural vocal and instrumental imperfections.