Robert Plant & Alison Krauss Reveal How Humor Keeps Them Going. and New Music Is On the Way

The duo are currently on the road for a 37-date summer tour.

 

**Robert Plant & Alison Krauss Reveal How Humor Keeps Them Going and If New Music Is On the Way**

When two of the most iconic figures in music—Robert Plant and Alison Krauss—team up, the world takes notice. Their collaboration, which began in 2007 with the release of the album *Raising Sand*, brought together two artists from entirely different musical worlds—Plant, a rock legend and lead singer of Led Zeppelin, and Krauss, a bluegrass and country virtuoso. Their partnership defied genre boundaries and created a unique sound that was both mesmerizing and groundbreaking. After a long period of silence, the duo made a triumphant return to the music scene, with their long-anticipated follow-up album, *Raise the Roof*, released in November 2021. The success of the album garnered critical acclaim and sparked fresh discussions about their continued musical collaboration. However, as they continue to build on this legacy, it’s clear that humor plays a major role in their bond, both in their music and in their personal lives.

In a recent interview, the two musicians sat down to discuss their shared experience and how humor has played a central role in their work together. They also addressed the burning question on fans’ minds: is there new music on the horizon? Plant and Krauss opened up about their creative process, their dynamic as collaborators, and how laughter keeps them grounded amid the pressures of fame and the music industry. With their distinct personalities and legendary status, their conversation was filled with insights into what has sustained them in their careers and how they keep their musical partnership fresh and exciting.

### The Origins of the Collaboration

Plant and Krauss’ initial partnership on *Raising Sand* was an unexpected but incredibly successful one. The album showcased their chemistry in a way that defied expectations. Plant, known for his powerful, throaty vocals and his history in rock music, seamlessly melded with Krauss’ angelic voice and intricate bluegrass instrumentation. The resulting sound was a beautiful fusion of folk, blues, country, and rock. The album went on to win multiple Grammy Awards, including the prestigious Album of the Year in 2009.

While their collaboration was a natural success, Plant and Krauss emphasized that humor was at the heart of the creative process. According to Krauss, when the two of them first came together, there was an immediate sense of camaraderie. “I think we just clicked,” Krauss said, recalling the early days of their working relationship. “We found a way to make it feel easy and natural, and I think a big part of that was because we were both able to laugh a lot. The studio wasn’t a tense environment; it felt like a place to explore and have fun with the music.”

For Plant, this relaxed atmosphere was crucial to the success of their work. “Music is such a serious thing, but the best moments are always born out of something lighthearted,” he noted. “When you don’t take yourself too seriously, it allows you to be more free. I think that’s what makes the work we do together feel special. We have this ability to find humor in the most unexpected moments, and it brings something magical to the music.”

The humor in their partnership was also reflected in their approach to the music itself. Both artists come from different musical traditions, and the fusion of their styles required flexibility and a willingness to embrace the unknown. Instead of trying to force a specific sound, Plant and Krauss allowed their music to evolve naturally. “Humor is a way of diffusing tension,” Krauss explained. “We could experiment, make mistakes, and laugh at them. It was never about being perfect. It was about finding joy in the process.”

This open-minded approach allowed them to craft an album that felt both timeless and fresh. *Raising Sand* was praised for its stunning arrangements, which combined Krauss’ mastery of bluegrass instrumentation with Plant’s rock sensibilities. The humor and ease with which they worked together created a sonic landscape that was nothing short of magical, capturing the best of both of their worlds.

### The Humor That Keeps Them Going

As they reunited to work on *Raise the Roof*, Plant and Krauss were quick to acknowledge that humor remained just as essential to their creative process as it had been the first time around. Despite the passage of time, the duo’s dynamic was still one of mutual respect and laughter. Plant admitted that, in many ways, their collaboration was a welcome departure from the often-serious nature of the music industry.

“The music business can be so intense,” Plant said. “There are a lot of egos and pressures to produce hits or deliver something that conforms to expectations. But when you work with someone like Alison, it’s different. She’s so grounded, and there’s a real sense of freedom in what we do. We don’t have to follow any rules. We just go with the flow, and that allows us to have a lot of fun along the way.”

Krauss, who has long been known for her sweet and reserved demeanor, laughed as she recalled some of the lighter moments during their recent recording sessions. “There were days when we’d just end up laughing so hard, we couldn’t get any work done,” she said. “Robert has this wonderful sense of humor that always keeps the atmosphere light. We’d be in the studio, and he’d do something unexpected—like making a funny noise or saying something completely off-the-wall—and it would just crack me up. It was those moments that kept us going.”

The duo’s playful nature wasn’t just limited to the studio. When performing live, their chemistry was evident, as the two often exchanged jokes and playful banter on stage. This infectious energy not only made their performances unique but also brought a sense of warmth to the crowd. Fans loved the way Plant and Krauss interacted, and their humor added a layer of intimacy to their shows that made each performance feel personal and special.

But while their bond is rooted in laughter, it also goes much deeper. Plant and Krauss have a deep mutual admiration for each other as musicians, and their shared respect for one another’s craft is what ultimately drives their creative partnership. “Humor aside, we both take what we do very seriously,” Plant explained. “We just don’t take ourselves too seriously, and I think that’s the key. There’s no competition between us—just a shared goal to create something beautiful together.”

### Is New Music on the Way?

One of the most pressing questions for fans of the duo has been whether new music is on the way. After the success of *Raise the Roof*, which came 14 years after *Raising Sand*, many wondered if Plant and Krauss would continue their collaboration or if *Raise the Roof* would serve as their final project together.

In the interview, both Plant and Krauss indicated that they were open to the possibility of future music, though they were in no rush to create anything. “We’re not forcing anything,” Krauss said. “If the right songs come along, if the right circumstances arise, we’re always open to working together again. But we’re not going to just make music for the sake of it. It has to come from a genuine place.”

Plant echoed Krauss’ sentiments, noting that he didn’t want to simply repeat the past. “We’re not here to recreate *Raising Sand* or *Raise the Roof*,” he said. “Those albums were of their time, and they came about naturally. If something new comes along, great. But we won’t force it. The music will tell us when it’s time.”

Despite this cautious approach, both Plant and Krauss acknowledged the joy they found in working together. “There’s something special about the way we approach music,” Plant noted. “It’s effortless, and it’s always a pleasure. If that spark is there, we’ll be ready. But there’s no rush.”

### Looking Ahead

For now, Robert Plant and Alison Krauss are focused on enjoying the fruits of their current collaboration and continuing to share the music they’ve already created. Their partnership, built on humor, mutual respect, and a deep love for music, has proven to be a lasting one, and the possibility of more music in the future remains tantalizing.

In a world where celebrity collaborations often seem like marketing stunts or contractual obligations, the work of Plant and Krauss stands apart. Their chemistry is authentic, and their shared sense of humor and camaraderie is a testament to the power of friendship and creative collaboration. Whether or not they release more music, their work together has already made an indelible mark on the musical landscape, blending rock, folk, bluegrass, and country in ways few others have ever managed. And no matter what the future holds, one thing is clear: their partnership will continue to inspire, entertain, and delight for years to come.