Jason Isbell will be the subject of an upcoming HBO Original documentary, the network announced today. Jason Isbell: Running With Our Eyes Closed debuts Friday, April 7, as part of Bill Simmons’ Music Box Series for HBO. (Other subjects have included Alanis Morissette, DMX, and more.) Running With Our Eyes Closed will focus on Isbell’s creative process, his collaborative relationship with his wife, the singer, songwriter, and fiddle player Amanda Shires, and the recording sessions for his 2020 album with the 400 Unit, Reunions. Watch the trailer for the film below.
Running With Our Eyes Closed was directed and produced by Sam Jones and executive produced by brothers Mark and Jay Duplass. The film features interviews with Isbell and Shires, as well as musicians Chad Gamble, Sadler Vaden, Jimbo Hart, Derry DeBorja, Patterson Hood, producer Dave Cobb, and manager Traci Thomas.
Throughout the documentary, Isbell discusses his upbringing in rural Alabama, his struggles with alcoholism during his time playing with the band Drive-By Truckers, and his fruitful but occasionally difficult creative partnership with Shires.
Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit are currently readying a new album, Weathervanes, which is due out June 9.