With her latest single, “Be in California,” singer-songwriter Liz Brasher presents an ode to the nostalgic allure of her recent move to the West Coast. The song is a vibrant showcase of Brasher’s evolving sound, influenced by her embrace of the Californian way of life. This track serves as a tantalizing glimpse into her upcoming second album, Baby Damn, expected to be released on April 26, 2024. This album marks her first project since forming a new alliance with Blue Élan Records, a Los Angeles-based independent music label.
Brasher shares the personal impact of her move, stating, “My first time touring in California left me mesmerized by the landscape, the people, the art, the food. How every part of the state felt like I was in another part of the world was beyond me. When I left, I felt myself being pulled by a frequent craving of the ocean, the desert, and things I had only experienced there, not knowing I’d be living here one day. There’s something about California that I think draws everyone in; whether it’s an old Hollywood dream or the desire to feel an endless summer. This song is the first one I wrote to the album that kickstarted this CA dream-reality.”
The recording of Baby Damn took place at the iconic Sunset Sound Studio under the guidance of renowned producer Joe Chiccarelli. The album features contributions from an array of celebrated musicians, including Matt Chamberlain on drums, Sean Hurley on bass, Roger Manning on keys, and David Levita on guitar. Additional talents such as Carl Broemel of My Morning Jacket (pedal steel), Carmen Vandenberg of Bones UK (guitar), and Oliver Kraus (cello) joined in for the overdubbing sessions. The move from Memphis to Southern California provided Brasher with fresh emotional and creative stimuli, influencing her to craft a collection of songs that resonate with bold intimacy.
Brasher, whose music intricately weaves together elements of gospel, rock, and blues, is acclaimed for her emotionally charged compositions that delve into love and identity. Her distinctive voice and the thematic exploration of her work reflect her personal growth and the transformative journey to her new home in Southern California. Having grown up with a diverse heritage—half Dominican, half Italian, with Southern roots—Brasher has developed a unique musical style that draws from a broad spectrum of influences, from Mahalia Jackson and Bob Dylan to Amy Winehouse and Jack White. Her debut album, Painted Image, received acclaim from NPR, Rolling Stone, and Billboard, among others, and she has shared stages with iconic acts such as The Psychedelic Furs and Blondie.