The Avett Brothers say they'll never make a quote-unquote "sociopolitical record."

But if they did, it would probably sound something like the North Carolina folk rock band's 10th album, "Closer Than Together," (out Friday), a call for unity in divided times from the group founded in 2000 by Scott and Seth Avett.

"The reality is, all our records have had political and social issues in them, because we're people and we aren't blind or ignorant to what's going on," says singer/banjo player Scott Avett, 43. "But some of the songs (on this album) are a little more literal," including "Bang Bang," a searing critique of American gun culture, and "New Woman's World," a pointed satire of greed, climate change and toxic masculinity.

Touring the USA through next summer, Scott chats with USA TODAY about new Avett music, the 2020 election and how he talks to his kids about guns.

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Question: Was there ever any fear of alienating your core fan base by getting "too political"?

Answer: No, I think true fans of an artist know they're not going to love everything someone does. If they did, it's kind of like a (married couple) that never argued – that's not real. That's not even love. Love and unity have disagreement, but disagreement doesn't have to mean division, and that's reflective of the message and title of the whole record. To disagree and find diversity within unity is the glory of America. So the issue we have in our culture right now with gun violence is a real thing, it's disconcerting and I think most people can at least acknowledge that.

Q: There are so many different facets of the gun debate. Why did you want to tackle gun violence on "Bang Bang"?

A: I own several guns and I grew up around very responsible gun owners, so I saw a relationship with people and guns that was very different than the kind you see in many movies. The song is commenting on how ludicrous some of the examples of guns onscreen are, like, "You get shot three times while running through a mall, killing enemies or zombies or whatever." You watch and you go, "What is this doing?" I don't know, but I can say that I don't want to watch it. Even though (the violence) in many cases is relevant, now it's part of many true stories (we see in the news), and I don't know that it helps in the state we're in as a culture and a country.

Q: Onscreen violence has been a hot topic these past few weeks with "Joker," which has raised concerns of potential copycat attacks. Have you paid attention to the controversy?

A: I have not. I don't think (gun violence in entertainment) is the sole problem, but if my kid is confused about (why people use) guns and then he or she is seeing that, how do they respond to it? I don't know if I trust it. If they're grown and they are a gun owner who's responsible – of which there are many – I don't think it's going to affect them in a bad way. I think they know, "Look, this is just entertainment." But that stuff worries me as a parent. You really wonder, "How do I guide them in a way they can respect this and not get confused by all the noise?"

Q: As a parent, how have you talked to your own kids about mass shootings and guns?

A: They have had shooting drills. My kids are 4, 8 and 10, so the youngest doesn't really get it. But I approach it like my father did with me: Guns are tools, not toys. Even if you had a toy gun, you could never aim it at another human ever – that was like a huge offense in our family. We had to treat them with this mentality that they're for a job, and that was pretty much for (getting rid of) varmints or for hunting. So for me and my kids, because we live in a rural area, it's important for them to know that (a gun) is really loud, it's really serious, you don't mess with it, and that if you own one, it's very important that you put it away and never keep it loaded.

Q: Was "New Woman's World" inspired by your daughter, and wanting her to grow up in a society that treats her equally?

A: Yes, I want my daughter to know that she could be president if she wants to be – I believe she could be. The song is a great satirical take, like "It's a Man's Man's Man's World" by James Brown. It's this apocalyptic idea after (men) destroy the planet, so it's much more tongue in cheek. But I believe there's a lot of correction to be made, if some people actually think women are lesser citizens. It's a level playing field when it comes to respect, and we all do different things very well and some bad. My wife does some things way better than I do, and we try to just lift those up and then help each other with the (other) ones.

Q: The album wrestles with troubles in America but is ultimately hopeful for the future of our country. How are you feeling about the 2020 election? Are there any candidates you find promising?

A: I've never thrown my weight behind any of that stuff. I've only voted for president three times in my life – my first time was when Barack Obama was elected. I guess Trump is the only guy on the Republican side (this election cycle), but some of the things (Democrat) Andrew Yang has said have been really cool. I'm independent, and I've never claimed an absolute on either side, because I don't (vote based) on one issue. Unfortunately, the most reasonable people never get elected. (Laughs.)