Julien Baker and Torres debuted their new duet, “Sugar in the Tank,” on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, giving audiences a first look at their newest collaboration on Dec. 11.
Backed by a full live band, the performance introduced audiences to the country-style track that explores the complexities of love and self-reflection.
The song’s lyrics capture an intimate snapshot of vulnerability, with Baker and Torres trading verses and harmonizing on the chorus: “Sitting outside with the engine running/ Just waiting on me to change/ So c’mon baby, put a little/ Sugar in the tank/ I love you all the way.” The poignant delivery was paired with Baker’s skilful twangs on banjo and Torres’ talents on the guitar.
The performance marks the latest step in the duo’s ongoing collaboration, which they previewed earlier this year during a Webster Hall performance in New York. The set included unreleased tracks that hinted at the country-inflected direction of their partnership.
On social media, they’ve continued to tease fans, recently sharing a snippet of what appears to be a Western-themed music video, captioning the clip, “Next week… we ride.”
The partnership aligns with several 2025 festival appearances, including stops at Big Ears Festival in Knoxville, High Water Music Festival in Charleston, and the Green River Festival.
This collaboration comes as both artists continue to explore new creative territories. Baker, a celebrated singer, songwriter, and guitarist, is renowned for her work as a solo artist and as a member of the indie supergroup boygenius, alongside Phoebe Bridgers and Lucy Dacus.
The group’s Grammy-winning debut album the record, which peaked at No. 4 on the Billboard 200 in 2023, featured hits like “Not Strong Enough,” “Cool About It,” and “True Blue.” On her own, Baker has gained acclaim for tracks such as “Appointments” and “Turn Out the Lights.” Her latest solo release, a cover of Belle and Sebastian’s “Get Me Away From Here, I’m Dying” also featured multi-instrumentalist Calvin Lauber, Northern Irish folk artist Soak, and Alaskan singer-songwriter Quinn Christopherson.
Boygenius confirmed plans to go on hiatus during a Feb. 1 show, with Lucy Dacus later saying in a Vanity Fair interview, “Everyone can be rest assured that we still love each other.”
“I think we all want a little break,” added the “Motion Sickness” musician. “I can’t function if I do anything in 2024 that is public.”
Watch Julien Baker and Torres’ performance on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon here.
