Real Power

Real Power is the sixth studio album by American indie rock band Gossip. It was released on March 22, 2024, through Columbia Records. The album marks their first studio release in twelve years, following A Joyful Noise (2012).

Background
The album was produced by Rick Rubin, who previously worked with the band for their 2009 album Music for Men. Recording began in 2019 at Rubin's home studio in Kauai, Hawaii, following a brief tour reunion for the 10-year anniversary of Music For Men. Recording came to a halt during the COVID-19 pandemic and resumed when restrictions were lifted. Ditto explained that Real Power was originally intended as a follow-up to her debut solo album Fake Sugar but that, when she invited Gossip member Nathan Howdeshell to participate in writing some songs for the project, the duo realised that it actually needed to be a Gossip album rather than a Beth Ditto album.

Gossip described working with Rubin as "a true gift", saying that they felt "genuinely cared about and supported" as he "creates calm, positive, open spaces". About 30-40 songs came about from the sessions with Rubin, after having thrown "everything against the wall" and having the "best time". Real Power is a "celebration of creative expression" and the power that came out of choosing family in the aftermath of "collective and personal trauma", according to a press release.

Personnel
Gossip
 * Beth Ditto – vocals
 * Nathan Howdeshell – electric guitar, acoustic guitar, synthesizer, bass, electronic drums
 * Hannah Billie – drums, percussion

Technical
 * Rick Rubin – production
 * Heba Kadry – mastering
 * Jason Lader – mixing, engineering
 * Dylan Neustadter – engineering

Visuals
 * Cody Critcheloe – cover art, photography
 * Bráulio Amado – design