It’s no question the past four years have drastically changed our lives, and alt-country staple Lydia Loveless is no exception. Last Friday (9/25) marked the release of Loveless’ first album in 4 years, titled Daughter. The making of the record coincided with the parting from longstanding label Bloodshot Records, the divorce from her bassist, and a big move to North Carolina from her hometown of Columbus, Ohio. Created in a more independent mental and physical state, Daughter grapples with the lack of familial feelings, divorce, disconnection, and death. These transformations allowed Loveless to hone her lyrical honestly and a dive into an expansion of her pop sonic palette.
Last week Loveless played Daughter in its entirety with her band for the first time. You can catch her via NoonChorus again this week on Thursday 10/8 performing a career-spanning solo set that showcases all sides of Lydia Loveless. We chatted with Loveless about changes in the music industry, starting her own label, and why you shouldn’t physically exfoliate.
AF: How do you feel now that your new album is out in the world?
LL: Relieved and excited!
AF: Did being further away from your band and not playing live recently affect the writing and recording process of Daughter?
LL: I think so, yes. It caused me to be more focused on different instrumentation to be alone while I was writing the record. I could hear drums, keys and atmospheres in ways I normally wouldn’t.
AF: What made you decide to start your own label? Will you be releasing other artists, too?
LL: It felt like a good time to believe in myself. I don’t think I am anywhere near being able to sign anyone, but eventually I would love to.
AF: What are some of the biggest changes in the music industry that you’ve seen over the span of your career?
LL: More acceptance and respect for young songwriters, in a lot of ways. Genre-bending becoming much more acceptable. My age group and younger taking the reins to make weird things more acceptable.
AF: Are there any genres, sounds, or musical ideas you haven’t explored yet that you would like to in the future?
LL: Yes, I always want to try something new. Probably not jazz.
AF: What is something you’ve done and/or learned in the past six months that has surprised you?
LL: Watched a lot of TV. Played more piano. Not completely broken under severe stress.
AF: If you could give your younger self advice now, what would it be?
LL: Don’t physically exfoliate – it causes your pores damage. Use a chemical exfoliator.
AF: What are your plans for the rest of 2020 and beyond?
LL: Stay alive, write music, kick some bad habits.
RSVP HERE for Lydia Loveless via NoonChorus Thursday 10/8. 9:30pm ET, $10
10/2 St. Vincent, Jason Isbell, IDLES, The Free Nationals, Carlos Santana, Vernon Reid, Joe Bonamassa, and more via Guitar.com. 8pm ET, RSVP HERE
10/2 U.S.Girls, Black Belt Eagle Scout, Cierra Black, Cerena Sierra via Venus Fest YouTube. 8pm ET, RSVP HERE
10/3 JD Samson via Elsewhere Sunstreams. 7pm ET, RSVP HERE
10/3 Sudan Archives, Kadhja Bonet, Okay Kaya, Madison McFerrin, Manon Voice via MidWay Music Fest. 6pm ET, RSVP HERE
10/3 Jose James, Taali via LPR.tv. 9pm ET, RSVP HERE
10/5 Dr. Anthony Fauci, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortex, Margaret Atwood, Chris Rock, Ira Glass, Yo-Yo Ma, & More via The New Yorker (Virtual) Festival. 8pm ET, RSVP HERE
10/6 Faye Webster via NoonChorus. 9pm ET, $12, RSVP HERE
10/6 Courtney Marie Andrews via KEXP YouTube. 4pm ET, RSVP HERE
10/6 + 10/7 The Call Within: Dismantling Racism from the Inside Out with Rev. Jacqui Lewis, PH.D. via Middle Collegiate Church. $20, 7pm ET, RSVP HERE
10/7 Fenne Lily via KEXP. 6pm ET, RSVP HERE
10/8 Come Together: Mental Health Music Festival feat. Smith & Myers, Jason Isbell, Kiiara, American Authors, Jade Bird, Yola, Shamir, Son Little, & More via The Relix YouTube Channel. 8pm ET, RSVP HERE
