22 November 2021
Newsdesk
Singer-songwriter Erin Rae has released her breezy, psychedelic new single “Candy+Curry” from her highly anticipated forthcoming album Lighten Up, set for release February 4, 2022 via Thirty Tigers.
Produced by longtime Father John Misty co-collaborator Jonathan Wilson, the new album is an amalgam of classic pop, cosmic country and indie rock. Reflecting on her musical state of mind ahead of the recording process, she stated, ”leading up to making the record I was incredibly into Bobbie Gentry’s records, her up front vocal, and beautiful classic instrumentation with some of the more cinematic recordings of Scott Walker, AND I wanted it to feel like me. Jonathan and I had shared songs back and forth leading up to it, and for the most part I wanted to remain open to what would arise once we got in the room together.”
“Candy & Curry” is a psychedelic, meditative track about awakening and being centred in the present moment, with a soundscape that invites the listener to float along and enjoy the ride. Its pulsing rhythms and tripped-out cellos propel Rae’s breezing voice, with her enlightened yet subtle lyrics.
Erin says of the track, “Candy & Curry is essentially a meditation, capturing those early spring days of slowing down in the pandemic. I was living in my friend Taylor’s beautiful, rustic cabin in Madison, TN and we were just cooking and hanging with the animals, and going for lots of walks. Especially then, with touring off the table, there was no choice really but to slow down and reflect. I wrote this song in the kitchen, made a four-track demo on my Tascam, and Jonathan took those thoughts and expanded them into this magical, trippy, and full sound with Jake Blanton on bass, Drew Erickson playing piano, solina, clavinet, harpsichord, and arranging strings. Jonathan was on drums, and running the Rhythm Ace. Writing this was no doubt inspired by many hours of listening to the songs of Andre Ethier and Nashville artists Good Buddy and Lambchop. It’s one of my favourites.”
“Candy & Curry” follows the release of her first official single “Modern Woman,” a pacy indie folk bop celebrating femininity in all its diverse forms. Rolling Stone debuted the video, which features musicians Brittany Howard, Tristen, Kelsey Waldon and various Nashville rising star creatives and business owners from across the community and stated, ““Modern Woman” merges gentle pedal steel with a bouncy rhythm, and finds Rae discarding gender stereotypes with conviction.”
Three years have passed since the release of her critically acclaimed debut Putting On Airs, which drew high praise across the board. She mostly spent her time on the road, performing at Newport Folk and Red Rocks, sharing stages with Iron & Wine, Jason Isbell, Jenny Lewis, Hiss Golden Messenger and Father John Misty, before her touring came to a sharp halt at the start of the pandemic.
Alongside Erin, Jonathan Wilson contributed various instruments including drums and is noted for his work with artists from Father John Misty to Roger Waters. The album also features a core band of Drew Erickson on keys, noted for his work Lana Del Rey, Weyes Blood and Jake Blanton on bass who has worked with bands including The Killers. The album also features guest appearances from fellow rising star singer songwriters, Meg Duffy, Ny Oh, and Kevin Morby.
Forming a sophisticated soundtrack for Rae’s distinct vocals to shimmer and shine. Her distinct vocals offer us a much needed alternative to the criticism we can wield upon ourselves and others as we all try to navigate these turbulent times.
Erin Rae will support Watchouse across their UK and European Somewhere Beyond The Darkness Tour in January 2022, including a date at London’s Courtyard Theatre on January 20th.
January 2022 Dates:
Mon 17th Amstelkerk, Amsterdam NL
Tues 18th Nochtspeicher, Hamburg DE
Weds 19th Bryggarsalen, Stockholm SE
Thurs 20th Courtyard Theatre, London
Fri 21st Celtic Connections @ Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, Glasgow
