This latest single from Lizzie No’s new concept album ‘Halfsies‘ (out on January 19th, from Thirty Tigers) finds her main character out on the road, following the troubadour dream. Or should that be nightmare – as the reality of lone travelling and dodgy motels is presented as somewhat less of a romantic notion than it is often made out to be. Sheets that could be cleaner, with cigarette burns in them, are few people’s idea of creating the emotional highs of the troubadour lifestyle.
Says Lizzie No, “Most of the great songwriters in the Americana genre have darkly determined road songs featuring dirty motels, gas station coffee, the exhilaration of seeing America’s plains rushing toward them from behind a car windshield as if on a roller coaster designed by Willa Cather, bleak club shows, and tequila for dinner. Behind the scenery are some difficult questions, like ‘why have I chosen to do this with my life?’ and ‘will I ever be one of the greats?’. Miss Freedomland also has to ask herself if deadbolting the motel door is enough, or if she should wedge a chair under the door handle as well. To get to the next level she must sing the new classics to her people. And carry a knife.”
