When his love of music lands him an assignment from Rolling Stone magazine to interview the up-and-coming band Stillwater-fronted by lead guitar Russell Hammond (Billy Crudup) and lead singer Jeff Bebe (Jason Lee)William embarks on an eye-opening journey with the band’s tour, despite the objections of his protective mother (Frances McDormand). With the help of the lovely “band aid” Penny Lane (Kate Hudson), William finds himself drawn into the band’s inner circle. But as he becomes less an observer and more a participant in the band’s dynamics, the fledgling reporter loses the objectivity to tell his story honestly, and learns a lifechanging lesson about the importance of family-the ones we inherit, and the ones we create.