Much has changed for Mike Kinsella (American Football, Joan of Arc, Cap'n Jazz) since 2006's solo album At Home with Owen. As he began writing his fifth album, Kinsella became a husband and a father. New Leaves, like its title suggests, is a new beginning for Mike Kinsella/Owen.

Recorded over the course of two years by multiple engineers such as Tim Iseler (Wilco), Brian Deck (Iron and Wine), and Graeme Gibson (Califone), New Leaves retains elements of earlier Owen material - but here, instead of lamenting failed relationships, Kinsella focuses on the new beginnings they allow.