The Imaginaries Build Hope and Harmony on New Single, “Little By Little”

With their latest single, “Little By Little,” husband-and-wife Americana duo The Imaginaries offer a heartfelt anthem of perseverance wrapped in soulful melodies and timeless instrumentation. The track serves as the first glimpse into their upcoming album Fever, due August 22, and it sets a compelling tone both musically and emotionally for what is to come.

Rooted in the rich tradition of Muscle Shoals, where the song was recorded with legendary Swampers musicians, “Little By Little” channels the warmth and weight of classic Americana while pushing into a more modern, emotionally layered space. Co-written and performed by Shane Henry and Maggie McClure, the track is a study of subtle power. It features a steady groove, thoughtful lyrics, and harmonies that feel as natural as a conversation between two longtime soulmates.

The magic lies in the message. “Little by little, we’re climbing that hill,” the duo sings, transforming everyday struggle into something quietly triumphant. It is a song about building a life, chasing a dream, and weathering the storms together. This message reflects exactly the kind of resilience the duo has lived, from sharing a tiny Los Angeles apartment in their early days to scoring films, launching businesses, and now releasing what may be their most ambitious project yet.

“Little By Little” is more than a song. It is a mission statement. It celebrates the beauty in the process, the grit behind the grace, and the quiet confidence of two artists who have learned how to trust the journey. With this release, The Imaginaries deliver not just a taste of what is to come on Fever but a reminder that progress, no matter how slow, is still progress.

How did your Oklahoma roots shape the sound and spirit of Fever?

Many of the new songs from Fever were written or started in Oklahoma. We hope that our Oklahoma upbringings shine through in the authenticity, realness, relatability, and honesty of our music and who we are as people. A lot of our songwriting stems from our Oklahoma roots and growing up in the heartland. 

What was it like collaborating with Vince Gill and Joe Bonamassa on this project?

Getting the opportunity to collaborate with one of these guys is a dream come true. To work with both of them on the same album is truly an incredible blessing. These were both amazing collaborations, and it's awesome how they both came together in such an organic way. We were in Nashville, and Shane had sold an old truck to Joe. He came by the studio and ended up playing on "Crossroads." And with Vince, we connected through a feature film we'd worked on a few years ago, A Cowgirl's Song, and became friends. We asked if he'd play on "Whole Lotta Livin'," and he said yes, inviting us over to their home studio to record.

Can you describe a moment during the Muscle Shoals sessions that felt especially transformative?

There were many key moments during the recording sessions in Muscle Shoals, but finishing the song "Fever" while there and recording it the next day was a significant moment for us and the album as a whole. It was very exciting. Additionally, tracking in a circle together in the room at the same time for basic tracking with the band in Muscle Shoals was a crucial ingredient that significantly shaped the sound and vibe of this album.

How do your solo careers and side ventures feed into The Imaginaries' creative process?

Our solo careers naturally led us to start The Imaginaries. They brought their unique styles to the table, which ultimately blended to create the sound that has become The Imaginaries. We wouldn't have the sound we have now without our solo careers and the years we've spent pursuing them. Our songwriting experience, combined with the blues/rock sound and pure singer-songwriter style, has all melded into a unique Americana roots/blues/rock style.

What do you hope listeners take away from Fever after the final track ends?

We hope listeners feel inspired, encouraged, and moved throughout listening to the album and after the final track ends. We also hope that they feel confident that they are not alone and that they can pursue their dreams with confidence. With faith, dedication, hard work, and resilience, anything is possible.