Julien Baker and TORRES, two of the most revered artists in the indie music world, have officially announced their highly anticipated collaborative album, Send a Prayer My Way, set to release on April 18, 2025, via Matador Records. This partnership marks a significant milestone in both of their careers, as they come together to blend their individual sounds and create something entirely new. The announcement comes just one month after the release of their debut single, Sugar in the Tank, a hauntingly beautiful track that set the stage for what promises to be a transformative album.
But this album didn’t materialize overnight. In fact, its origins trace back nearly a decade ago, when Baker and TORRES first met on stage during a show in 2016. It was on that night that the idea of a collaboration first emerged—casually mentioned in passing. Little did they know, that fleeting conversation would eventually bloom into a full-fledged album, one that explores deeply personal themes with a blend of nostalgia, tenderness, and raw emotion.
For fans who have followed both artists individually, the news of this collaboration is both thrilling and unexpected. While their musical styles differ in certain respects, both Baker and TORRES are known for their deeply introspective songwriting and emotionally charged lyrics. Baker, famous for her evocative storytelling and haunting melodies, has captured the hearts of fans worldwide with her solo work as well as her role in the supergroup boygenius alongside Phoebe Bridgers and Lucy Dacus. TORRES, known for her bold, vulnerable, and often sharp-witted approach to songwriting, has also cultivated a loyal following with her powerful albums like Thirstier and Three Futures.
Together, they bring something entirely unique to the table—Send a Prayer My Way is poised to be a reflection of their strengths, combining their passion for storytelling with the complexities of modern-day struggles, love, loss, and personal growth. The album’s sound fuses classic country elements with contemporary indie rock, resulting in a stunning sonic landscape that feels both nostalgic and fresh.
The duo has already given listeners a taste of what’s to come with two singles—Sugar in the Tank and Sylvia. Sugar in the Tank introduced fans to the chemistry between the two artists, combining the delicate vulnerability of Baker’s voice with the sharp emotional edge that TORRES is known for. The track felt like a preview of the emotional depth and complexity the album would bring, with themes of longing and personal reflection resonating throughout the lyrics.
However, it’s Sylvia, the second single from the album, that truly captures the emotional heart of the project. Written by TORRES, Sylvia is a deeply personal song about the moment she adopted her beloved dog, Sylvia, from an upstate shelter. TORRES has described the experience as life-changing—when she went to pick up Sylvia, she recalls that the song Cracker Jack by Dolly Parton was playing on the radio, and in that moment, everything felt aligned. It was as though the universe was signaling that Sylvia was meant to be hers.
“I remember thinking that I’d love to write a song like that,” TORRES shared in a statement about the track. “A song that people could feel in their chest within five seconds of turning on the radio, because anyone who has ever had the honor of sharing a home with a beloved pet knows that a pet is family.” The song carries that raw, emotional power, weaving together themes of love, belonging, and the deep connection we form with the animals we care for.
The release of Sylvia has only heightened excitement for the full album, as it showcases the duo’s ability to blend personal storytelling with universal themes. The song’s reflective and intimate lyrics are paired with a gentle, almost melancholic melody, making it a standout track on the upcoming album. It’s a song that not only highlights TORRES’s ability to evoke deep emotion through her music but also exemplifies the collaboration’s potential to reach new emotional heights.
For both Baker and TORRES, the creation of Send a Prayer My Way has been a journey that’s spanned several years. What started as a casual conversation about making a country album back in 2016 has evolved into a full-length record that captures their shared love for storytelling and their individual journeys as musicians. The result is an album that blends the traditional elements of country music with the complexities of modern-day life—tackling themes of love, loss, heartbreak, and personal growth with a refreshing blend of nostalgia and contemporary sensibility.
The album’s 11 tracks explore a wide range of emotions and experiences, with each song contributing to a larger narrative about navigating life’s ups and downs. With influences from classic country, indie rock, and folk, Send a Prayer My Way is a deeply introspective work that reveals the unique chemistry between Baker and TORRES as they weave their individual stories together. The record is set to become a pivotal moment in both of their careers, pushing them beyond their established sounds and creating something that’s bound to resonate with listeners for years to come.
In addition to the album announcement, Baker and TORRES have revealed that they will be hitting the road to promote Send a Prayer My Way with a string of festival dates across the United States. Fans will have the opportunity to catch the duo live at events like Big Ears in Tennessee, High Water Music Festival in North Carolina, and Green River Festival in Massachusetts. These festivals will offer an exciting glimpse into what promises to be an unforgettable live performance, with Baker and TORRES bringing their emotional, heartfelt sound to the stage.
The announcement of Send a Prayer My Way also comes on the heels of Baker’s recent success with boygenius, the indie supergroup she’s a part of with Phoebe Bridgers and Lucy Dacus. Boygenius’s debut full-length album, the record, was a massive success, landing at No. 4 on the Billboard 200 chart in 2023. Meanwhile, Baker’s solo album Little Oblivions also saw critical acclaim, peaking at No. 39 on the Billboard charts. TORRES, on the other hand, has built a loyal fanbase with her sharp, introspective songwriting, having released several critically acclaimed albums over the years. With Send a Prayer My Way, the duo is poised to take their music to new heights, blending their individual styles and creating a sound that’s uniquely their own.
Fans of both Baker and TORRES will undoubtedly find much to love about Send a Prayer My Way, which promises to be an emotionally charged, beautifully crafted album. The project showcases the duo’s impressive songwriting and vocal prowess, as well as their ability to create music that speaks to the heart. As they continue to explore the complexities of modern life, the album serves as a reminder of the importance of connection—whether it’s the bond between humans or the deep, unspoken understanding we share with the animals we love.
With its unique blend of classic country, indie rock, and personal reflection, Send a Prayer My Way is shaping up to be one of the most exciting releases of 2025. As the release date draws nearer, fans can look forward to even more surprises, as Baker and TORRES continue to reveal more of the album’s themes and sound. Whether you’re a long-time fan of either artist or new to their music, Send a Prayer My Way is sure to leave a lasting impression.
For now, we can only wait eagerly for the album’s release on April 18 and the upcoming tour dates that will bring Baker and TORRES to stages across the country. Until then, fans can continue to enjoy the two singles, Sugar in the Tank and Sylvia, as a preview of what’s to come. With Send a Prayer My Way, Julien Baker and TORRES have proven that great things come from collaboration, and we can’t wait to hear what else they have in store.
As we wait for the album to drop, one thing is for sure: Send a Prayer My Way is shaping up to be one of the most poignant and impactful releases of 2025. From its deeply personal themes to its impeccable blend of musical influences, this album is bound to resonate with listeners on a profound level, cementing Baker and TORRES’s place as two of the most influential voices in modern music.