Lilly Hiatt Returns With “Lately” Tomorrow Via New West Records – The Bluegrass Situation Premieres “Simple” Today

Lilly Hiatt returns with Lately tomorrow via New West Records. The 10-song set was co-produced by Lilly and her drummer Kate Haldrup at Death Ladder in East Nashville, TN. Lately is the follow up to Hiatt’s highly praised Walking Proof, which was among the first records released to feel the full wrath of the soon-to-be raging pandemic that would bring the world to its knees. Despite the timing of its release, the long-player was named a “Best Album of the Year” by Rolling Stone, No Depression, Magnet Magazine, and more. Met with critical acclaim, Slant Magazine said in their 4 out of 5-star review, “Lilly Hiatt’s Lately is the artist’s most daring, experimental album to date,” while American Songwriter said “It marks a certain maturity that underscores Hiatt’s authenticity as both an artist and individual, and the strength she possesses when it comes to propelling that presence forward. Ultimately, Lately becomes a timely testimonial to all she’s achieved thus far.” Holler said “…she’s forged her own distinct fusion of country balladry, confessional indie pop and classic rock” while Glide Magazine said “…if there is any justice in the world, Lately will find the audience it truly deserves.”

As each day passed following the release of Walking Proof, more events were postponed, moved, and ultimately canceled. The sudden stillness forced Lilly to take a long, deep look inside and despite having a new album just released, she went back to doing what she does best: she picked up the guitar and started to write. What could have been devastating ended up being therapeutic, and Lilly learned how to find fulfillment in quieter places versus the adrenalized life she was used to.

Today, The Bluegrass Situation premiered the album opener, “Simple.” Lilly says, “The love that exists in our universe is infinite. My family is a big part of that realization for me, and they all appear in this song. I wanted this to begin the album as if to say hello with a smile.” Hear “Simple” HERE.

SPIN previously shared the video for the album highlight “Been,” alongside a feature with Lilly about Lately‘s creation. The video was directed by Lilly and is composed of vintage super 8 footage filmed by Lilly’s mother recently found in the Hiatt Family storage unit. The Boot also previously premiered the video for the album’s title track, which was directed by Dylan Reyes.

Lilly says, “Last year was tough. That’s an understatement for certain. Tears were shed, lives were lost, and lonely was a way of life. I have always felt lonely, but never gone to the depths of solitude that I had in 2020. The irony of that is, I was not alone at all in that space. Everyone had lost something, and we all were trying to rebuild our lives as we knew them. As a means of keeping sane, I started to write songs. Some of them sucked. I kept doing it though, because I had nothing else to fill my cup.”  She continues, “Depression was a big part of fall and winter. I forgot how down I could feel. But I also felt hope in that light that came from a memory of a past adventure or a stranger’s smile while walking down the street. Little things lifted my spirits. I missed my friends. I missed my family. I was devastated by the grief our country was facing, as well as the world. I felt unified in knowing that I was not on my own in that mentality. Many were questioning a lot of what was happening and though ideologies and understandings were fractured and opposing, most people I know craved to be together again. I realized that my heart was full of everything I loved and that would carry me forward for the time being. Eventually we would all get back to one another.”

And get back together we have begun to do. Next week, Lilly will launch a North American tour with Lydia Loveless on October 20th in Houston, TX. The tour will keep the duo on the road throughout most of November and will feature stops at the Continental Club in Austin, The Chapel in San Francisco, a two-night stand at the Tractor Tavern in Seattle, and more. Additional 2021 headline dates in support of Lately have also been announced as well. Please see all dates below.

By opening up about her fears and anxiety and having taken a big step back, Lilly Hiatt learned more about herself than she could have ever realized. Which is what great songwriters do.

Lilly Hiatt’s Lately will be available tomorrow across digital platforms and on cassette on Friday, November 5th. Lately is available for pre-order NOW via New West Records.