This song from Amythyst Kiah’s new album ‘Still + Bright’ (out Oct. 25th via Rounder Records) not only features Billy Strings – who you might expect to find around this local – but also has an unusual inspiration, drawing on Kiah’s love of epic fantasy. Like Led Zep’. As she explains: “From ‘Avatar: The Last Airbender’ to ‘Lord of the Rings’ to ‘Mass Effect’, I’ve always loved a great hero’s journey. The hero always rides into the unknown to seek answers and destroy a larger beast. These stories emphasize the importance of reflection, resilience, and restraint. Sometimes we have to ride into the unknown to seek these answers and see what we’re truly made of, without stopping to think that perhaps the beast that we are slaying, is in fact ourselves. I was incredibly stoked to have Billy Strings join in on this track and take us on his own journey, creating the most radiant guitar tapestry that could blind any foe that dares to cross him.”
And she’s being somewhat modest there – sure the guitar is good, but, hello, did you hear that voice? Which is why she’s shared stages with – for example – The Who and Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit and is part of Our Native Daughters for whom she contributed the standout ‘Black Myself.’ And she likes JRRT? Too much.
