Global Connection and “Perfect Imperfections”: Auburn with Liz Lenten Unveils the Masterpiece ‘Behind The Scenes’
By Christian Lamitschka for Country Music News International Magazine
For over three decades, Liz Lenten (BEM) has been one of the music industry’s most tireless architects. From managing folk royalty like Martin Carthy to collaborating with legendary producer Thomm Jutz in Nashville, Lenten has lived a life steeped in melody. However, her latest project with her band Auburn, titled Behind The Scenes (releasing Friday, 27th March 2026), feels like the ultimate culmination of that journey.
Born out of the isolation of recent years, the album is a radical experiment in connection. Featuring 32 collaborators across the U.S., the U.K., and Brazil, the record is a sprawling, multi-textured tapestry that shifts effortlessly from rootsy Americana to soulful pop. “This diversity really pushed me creatively,” Lenten notes, and that creative tension is audible in every frame of the record.
Track-by-Track: A Journey Through Side A & Side B
Side A: The Search for Connection
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“Bathroom Shelf” (4:20) – A cinematic opener that sets the tone for the album’s theme of “everyday life.” It’s an intimate look at the domestic debris of a relationship, delivered with Lenten’s trademark “husky” and emotionally charged vocals.
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“Perfect Imperfections” (3:22) – The lead single and a true standout. Co-written in Spain with Michael Garvin (Jennifer Lopez) and Sharon Vaughn (Waylon Jennings), and produced by Thomm Jutz, it’s a masterclass in songwriting. It celebrates love found in the flaws, blending Nashville polish with a gritty, honest heart.
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“Let The Good Times Begin” (5:33) – A sprawling, soul-infused track that allows the band to stretch their legs. It feels like an anthem for post-isolation life, prioritizing optimism over the “distance” of the past.
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“Speaking In Tongues” (3:20) – Here, the global influence shines. With a rhythmic complexity likely influenced by the Brazilian collaborators, the track explores the struggle to communicate when words simply aren’t enough.
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“Behind The Scenes” (5:39) – The title track acts as the emotional anchor of the record. It is a slow-burn epic that mirrors Lenten’s own podcast, looking at the “independent creatives” and the invisible work that goes into living an authentic life.
Side B: The Texture of Experience
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“What You Don’t Know” (3.49) – A moody, Americana-leaning track that showcases the “atmospheric” sound Auburn is known for. It’s a song about the secrets we keep, even from those closest to us.
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“Opposites” (3:44) – A clever, upbeat look at the friction of attraction. The arrangement is tight and pop-centric, proving Lenten’s versatility as she moves away from the folk-roots of Side A.
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“Lie As Easy As You Breathe” (3:41) – A biting lyrical turn that recalls the “monologue” style of storytelling for which Lenten has been critically acclaimed. The fiddle and guitar work here are particularly sharp.
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“Don’t Give Up” (3:50) – A soul-stirring anthem of resilience. In a world of “situations we find ourselves in,” this track serves as a gentle hand on the shoulder.
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“You’re Beautiful” (3:34) – Not to be confused with the pop trope of the same name, this is a raw, vulnerable observation of beauty found in the mundane and the broken.
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“Sweet Dreams” (3:40) – The album closes on a lullaby-like note. It’s a soft landing for a record that covers so much ground, leaving the listener with a sense of peace and a desire to hit “play” once more.
The Woman Behind the BEM
Liz Lenten’s career is a testament to the “indie” spirit. Awarded the British Empire Medal in 2022 for Services to Music, she has moved from performing at 16 to selling over 10,000 units independently. Whether she’s presenting her podcast ‘Behind the Scenes of an Indie Artist’ or touring as ‘Auburn Acoustic’, Lenten remains a fearless storyteller.
With Behind The Scenes, she has successfully managed a 32-person global conversation, turning a period of isolation into a monumental work of art. It is an album that doesn’t just ask for your attention—it earns it.