Last year, we commemorated the 50th anniversary of Nick Drake’s untimely passing—yet his music remains as vital as ever. His influence stretches far and wide, inspiring artists across generations, from Liz Phair and Radiohead’s Philip Selway to Let’s Eat Grandma and Fontaines D.C., all of whom paid tribute on 2023’s The Endless Coloured Ways: The Songs of Nick Drake. But while covers keep his spirit alive, nothing compares to hearing the man himself. And now, for the first time, we’re getting a glimpse into his creative process with never-before-heard recordings.

This summer, The Making of Five Leaves Left offers an intimate deep dive into Drake’s 1969 debut—far more than just another reissue. Nine years in the making, this project traces the album’s evolution through rare outtakes, alternate takes, and session tapes, carefully curated to preserve its story. As Nick’s sister Gabrielle explains, this isn’t about releasing every scrap of audio, but about revealing how Five Leaves Left came to be.

Set for release on July 25 as a 4CD/4LP box set, the collection includes some extraordinary finds: Drake’s very first session at Sound Techniques, recovered from a mono listening reel kept by Beverley Martyn for over 50 years, and a full reel recorded at Caius College by his Cambridge friend Paul de Rivaz—a tape that traveled the world, forgotten at the bottom of a drawer for decades. The final disc presents the original album as produced by Joe Boyd, with the entire set meticulously mastered by John Wood and Simon Heyworth.

Accompanying the music is a 60-page illustrated book, crafted from eco-friendly textured paper, featuring insights from Neil Storey and Richard Morton-Jack. It’s a fitting tribute to an artist whose work continues to captivate—a chance to step inside the studio and witness the birth of a masterpiece.