Editor’s note: Back in January, we solicited applications for columnists, to expand our Dave Matthews Band news coverage and share the fan’s perspective. One of the columnists we selected is Brittany Schultz, who will write a monthly column about recent happenings in the DMB universe. Here’s her first article:

As a lifelong Dave Matthews Band fan, the news of a new album sends me to the moon.

The drop of Big Whiskey and the GrooGrux King in 2009 brought a summer tour filled with brand new songs, a new beat and a new atmosphere. The boys seemed happier than ever to be on the stage, and the crowds were roaring each night with excitement. I’m expecting DMB to recapture that energy in 2012.

Earlier this winter, fans were ecstatic as news broke that DMB would be back in the studio early 2012, writing and producing new music. Anticipation grew, culminating with Stefan Lessard teasing fans last week with tweets such as “Any day now, any day. #goodgoodtimes” and “Start getting excited!”

Finally, Feb. 15, fans awoke to two exciting announcements. The first was about the DMB 2012 studio album. Rumors had swirled that the boys were working once again with Steve Lillywhite, but the band had not confirm that until then. (In case you are not aware, Lillywhite produced the first three studio albums: Under The Table And Dreaming, Crash and Before These Crowded Streets.)

The second big announcement covered the much-anticipated 2012 tour dates. DMB kicks off its extensive North American tour May 18 in The Woodlands, Texas and continues playing until the last stop in Mountain View, California on Sept. 9.

With the launch of a new album, I have reason to believe that once again fans will be treated to an unforgettable summer.

During production of Big Whiskey, there was a video that showed fans who got a sneak peak inside the DMB studio, where they got to listen to the first track, “Grux.” Perhaps we will again be blessed with more sneak peeks and early listens as DMB records, produces and hypes the new album.

Photo by Casey Cotcamp