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Carving Canyons

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Lissie Rock Island, Illinois

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Album Review: Carving Canyons // Lissie

Lissie is an artist who always feels authentic. Her live gimmick-free performances are all about her voice, the music and connection with the audience. An example of this connection is how Lissie took to social media during the pandemic. She shared her mental health struggles following the sudden loss of her dog, Ned, and the end of her relationship. What do we get when such an honest singer-songwriter pens her most personal album? Welcome to Lissie’s fifth studio album, Carving Canyons.

The beauty of  Carving Canyons is the storytelling. From the opener, ‘Unravel’, we are taken on an immersive journey that starts with Lissie “ halfway to California … still wearing all your clothes” as she narrates the emotion of the break-up conversation with her partner. The song is simplistic, with classical guitar accompanying Lissie’s voice which ebbs and flows through the emotions of that last call. As Lissie sings “ I am ready to unravel / I guess I always knew / Love is just a gamble” she continues “ Falling apart / So I can start / Coming back.” Carving Canyons is far more than a break-up album–it is about redemption as much as it is about loss and fragility.

The album bears all the hallmarks of a classic Lissie record. There are the Stevie Nicks-esque vocals; particularly evident on the bombastic pop of Night Moves, which oozes with the influence of Fleetwood Mac as heavy drums and guitar drive the track forward. Also present, are the mix of fragile indie folk ballads and jangly pop that allow us to experience Lissie’s full vocal range.

Evident on this album is the strength of the production and the depth in the quality of songwriting and musical styles. While being Lissie’s most personal album to date, she has gathered together a strong collection of co-writers (most of them women) and also duets on several tracks. This brings a richness of sound that pushes Lissie’s musical boundaries. On weaker tracks, such as ‘Hearts On Fire’, the perfect blend of instruments, carefully placed riffs and distractions make this standard bouncy pop fare, a life-affirming four minutes of joy.

As you’d expect for an album about heartbreak, there are some dark moments and they don’t come much darker than ‘ I Hate This’.  This is raw songwriting at its best and one of the stand-out tracks. Lissie opens her emotional core as sings directly to her ex-lover about how she “deserved a kinder goodbye.” We all feel the hurt as she sings the lines, “ And when the world stopped / I went to reach for you / but you were reaching out for somebody else.” The primary instrument in ‘I Hate This’ is Lissie’s powerhouse vocal but this track is a great example of the rich production as the acoustic opening builds into a simmering cauldron of shimmering guitars and percussion.

‘Lonesome Wine’ is another example of Lissie not being afraid to face her demons; here, the use of alcohol as an escape. The song plays like a confession, “ I know I’m not doing my best” and praying “to God I’ll change my mind and I won’t be drinking lonesome wine.” Musically, this is a stunning piece of country-pop, propelled by understated drum beats and a gorgeously crafted twangy repeating guitar riff.

The album cleverly mixes tone, with the melancholic introspective tracks of ‘Unravel’ and ‘Sad’ punctuated by the soaring pop of ‘Chasing The Sun’.  At first, the flow of acoustic storytelling into eighties-sounding pop feels distracting but it becomes evident as the album progresses that the balance of light and shade enhances the album. The path that Lissie eloquently takes the listener on isn’t a linear route of heartbreak to self-enlightenment but one of  twilights interspersed with dawns.

On lead single ‘Flowers’, which features Bre Kennedy on vocals, Lissie perfectly balances the light and darkness of the entire record. It’s a track which shimmers with summery vibes and twinkling country guitars. Above all, it is about redemption and empowerment.  The song begins with memories and regrets “ You used to bring me flowers” ends with exclamations of hope and self-permission “ I can grow flowers, (I will grow so high I’ll touch) The sky above.” Flowers is the numeric centre-piece of the album; its words act as a metaphor for this collection of songs and for Lissie’s personal growth. 

The redemptive feel of ‘Flowers’ flows into ‘Carving Canyons’, which features Sarah Buxton and Kate York. Clever production layers on instruments as it builds to a screaming crescendo. By this stage, we take Lissie’s gorgeous vocal range for granted, but it’s hard not to feel moved by the message.  A song about the redemptive power of nature and how the singer learnt to heal her pain (“pain is just a river forming down on me”) through her connection with the world around her. As she blasts out the chorus, “I’m carving canyons / More than I ever could imagine”, this doesn’t feel like a woman who is healing but a woman forging a new path of self-acceptance.  

The theme of acceptance returns on the album’s closing track ‘Midnight’. At times there is an uncanny vocal resemblance to Miley Cyrus on a track that blends country-folk vibes with the punctuation of a mariachi trumpet. Soothing vocals draw us in as Lissie announces that she is “gonna get drunk on the midnight air.”  This  statement, rejecting the person from ‘Lonesome wine’, and living life to the full acknowledges that life is not perfect: “My life is out there / I don’t wanna fight it no more.” The song, and the album, end abruptly as Lissie declares, “Going downtown where the music plays, gonna live my life like it’s slipping away.”

It is a perfect ending to the journey Carving Canyons has taken us on. From heartbreak and darkness, Lissie has found self-acceptance and personal balance but she has created her finest album.

Read: Blast From The Past: Catching A Tiger // Lissie

Words by Andrew Butcher

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Lissie announces ‘Carving Canyons’ 2023 tour

Having just released her critically acclaimed Americana-tinged indie folk album ‘Carving Canyons’, the multitalented tour de force Lissie now announces a February 2023 UK tour in support of the album. It represents Lissie’s first full scale headline tour here since 2019, and follows a sold-out London show at Lafayette earlier this year.

Lissie says, “I’m so so happy that I get to come back & play lots of shows in the UK in February after years apart! I’m eager to share my new album “Carving Canyons”  & see you all again!”

Tickets for the shows, listed below, go on sale  HERE  from 10am this Frida y, September 23rd. Lissie is also set to embark upon an  in-store  UK  acoustic tour  which commences next week.

FEBRUARY 2023 14th – Portsmouth, The Wedgewood Rooms 15th – Cardiff, Tramshed 16th – Bath, Komedia 18th – Norwich, Arts Centre 20th – Birmingham, Town Hall 21st – Manchester, Club Academy 22nd – Glasgow, St. Luke’s 23rd – Leeds, The Wardrobe 25th – Brighton, Chalk 27th – Cambridge, The Junction 28th – London, KOKO

The ‘Carving Canyons’ album is a fresh chapter in an already impressive career that also opens up endless possibilities for what’s to come. Produced by Curt Schneider (Patti Smyth, Lucero) and recorded in Nashville, ‘Carving Canyons’ focuses upon finding an inner strength to face the uncertainties of the future, to main hope to battle personal and social adversity – no matter how tough those challenges appear to be. The album’s single ‘Night Moves’ was playlisted at Radio 2, while her other recent tracks including ‘Flowers’ and ‘Sad’  picked up attention from Clash, The Independent and MTV.

Lissie’s storied career took off with 2010’s ‘Catching A Tiger’ which was certified Gold in the UK, while her other three studio albums have all reached the UK Top 20. Her previous album, 2018’s ‘Castles’, was her highest charting record to date when it debuted at #9. 2021 saw Lissie reflect on her journey so far with the release of an Anniversary Edition of ‘Catching A Tiger’ and the ‘Watch Over Me (Early Works 2002-2009)’ compilation.

NEW ALBUM  ‘CARVING CANYONS’  IS OUT NOW LISTEN  HERE

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Lissie - Carving Canyons Tour Share this event:

Sat, October 29, 2022 Hartford, CT Doors: 7 PM Show: 8 PM

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Member Presale: 7/20/22 12 PM Public Onsale: 7/22/22 12 PM

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Midwestern artist Lissie is a multi-talented tour de force who will release her new Americana-tinged indie folk album "Carving Canyons" on September 16. Ahead of the release she has unveiled the first song two songs “Flowers” and “Night Moves”. Debuted by FLOOD Magazine, the haunting sun-soaked song Night Moves channels Fleetwood Mac grandeur as it explores sensory memory and considering multiple realities vs one’s own point of view when navigating heartbreak.

"Carving Canyons" is about looking within while dealing with the uncertainty of the future—finding hope in personal and worldly adversity, no matter what the forecast might say. Inspired by her incredible intergenerational female friend group and the nature that surrounded her, Lissie traveled to Nashville and co-wrote much of the album with a majority of female-identifying songwriters—including Bre Kennedy, Madi Diaz, Morgan Nagler, Natalie Hemby, Kate York, and Sarah Buxton—who also contribute additional vocals throughout the album.

"Carving Canyons" is Lissie’s first full-length album since her UK Top 10 album “Castles" in 2018. In 2010, her 1st full length album "Catching A Tiger" unassumingly established Lissie as a global voice. Lissie has recently appeared in TV shows Twin Peaks and Loudermilk as well as co-owns the music genre themed popcorn company Otts Pops Indie Pop and is involved with land conservation.

Lissie’s Carving Canyons finds the acclaimed singer-songwriter digging deep to carry on through life’s many uncertainties. The singer-songwriter’s fifth album is her most personal expression yet, with twelve songs that chart the ripples caused by heartbreak and loneliness as well as what happens when the soul perseveres amidst pain. Carving Canyons is as deeply felt as Lissie’s music has ever been, with sumptuous production and indelible melodies that will surely stand the test of time.

Carving Canyons came about at Lissie’s own pace, following tour outings behind 2018’s Castles and the piano-based retrospective When I’m Alone from 2019. “It wasn’t a time where I felt like I had a lot to say,” she recalls, “and each record typically comes from a shift in my life where I need to share things.” As the COVID-19 pandemic spread across the world, Lissie was also dealing with an impactful breakup on her Iowa farm. “It was such a heavy time—not just for me but for the world, of course—and I needed love, support, and connection,” she says. “Because there was so much isolation, it was an important period of time for me to explore some of my dark places and process it all.”

As Lissie took in the nature and observed the seasons changing around her and within her, the songs that would make up Carving Canyons started to flow from her. “Sometimes, as seeds begin to sprout, you have to thin them out so that the ones you keep have enough space to grow and thrive,” she sagely states while reflecting on this time. “It’s a metaphor for making space for what matters, a brutal, beautiful cycle that can also be very healing, and it all comes from surrender. Furthermore, with the right amount of time, so much can grow and change so quickly.  The garden was a helpful reminder to have hope for the future.”

Throughout the early days of the pandemic and her breakup, Lissie was home more than if she’d been on tour. “I was able to deepen my friendships with women in my community,” she remembers, “and during the summer of 2020, I found myself with this incredible intergenerational female friend group. I think I pulled a lot of strength not only from their friendship but from observing the seasons and stages of their lives—where they’d been, what they’d overcome, and where they were going. We lifted each other up.”

Lissie traveled to Nashville and co-wrote much of Carving Canyons with a majority of female-identifying songwriters—including Bre Kennedy, Madi Diaz, Morgan Nagler, Natalie Hemby, Kate York, and Sarah Buxton—who also contribute additional vocals throughout the album.  “It felt like we could pool our collective experience into sisterhood, self-expression & support.” she says. “There was definitely a theme of relying on my network of women and gathering strength from knowing that they, too, had been through the ringer in some way, shape or form—and had come out the other side! And whether it be in a song or in the garden, we took our pain and turned it into purpose and beauty.”

Near the end of 2020, Lissie started studio work on Carving Canyons with producer and frequent collaborator Curt Schneider, kicking off a year-long recording process. “Curt was open to me writing and recording these batches of songs over the year as I was shifting perspectives,” Lissie says. “The record ended up following the process of grief, as well as addressing how things are always eventually going to change.”

Her independence within the context of the music industry—which she’s maintained since releasing 2016’s My Wild West on her Lionboy label—also enabled her to write straight from the heart, without feeling rushed by deadlines: “I really only write when I’m bursting at the seams, and it’s such a therapeutic thing to do. These songs become the listeners’ songs too, and hopefully it helps them deal with their emotions as well. It’s all universal.”

First single “Flowers” sounds expansive and wide-open, as Lissie sings about the process of grief and what it takes to push ahead. “The prettiest blooms literally come from shit, it’s a fertilizer,” she says while talking about the song’s lyrical themes. “I wanted to claim my right to feel my feelings. As I grieved—not only for a relationship, but for the world in the midst of a pandemic—I felt like my anger made people uncomfortable, but I came out the other side empowered and ready to step back into my light. I can grow my own flowers and make my own joy.”

The Diaz co-write “Sad” came about after Lissie was drawing from anger surrounding her relationship’s dissolution, and finding out that her songwriting partner had similar feelings she was able to tap into. “There’s hints of compassion, too,” she explains. “We wanted to draw that feeling of a person hurting you and never having to answer for doing that. You feel like you want to punish them.” Meanwhile, the glowing benevolence of “Chasing the Sun” was inspired by the early sunsets of Iowa winter: “I was driving and I felt like I was almost keeping pace with the sun. It’s about keeping your eyes on the horizon and having that hope for the future—looking for a bright spot to keep you going.”

“Night Moves” conjures the lush, nocturnal pop of Fleetwood Mac as well as Jenny Lewis’ recent work, while the gently stomping “Unlock the Chains” zooms in on, in Lissie’s words, “Having to understand what I want out of life, as well as who I want to be.” Carving Canyons ’ winding, expansive title track explores the ways in which our own emotional experiences are forming new topographical textures to explore and reflect on: “There is beauty in pain,” Lissie says while talking about the song’s thematic focus. “It’s a part of life and our life story. What we go through creates the landscape of which to view a lifetime. If I’d never broken myself open, there’d be nothing to see.”

Then there’s “Lonesome Wine,” which finds Lissie examining her own relationship with alcohol in one of the most plaintively beautiful melodies she’s sung in her career to date. “For a lot of years I coped with things that didn’t feel good by opening up a bottle of wine,” she ruminates while discussing the song’s thematic bent. “But I realized that what I’m looking for isn’t in this bottle.”

Overall, Carving Canyons is about looking within while dealing with the uncertainty of the future—finding hope in personal and worldly adversity, no matter what the forecast might say.  “Some days it was so terrifying that I didn’t know how to carry on—and then I realized, ‘How exciting. What a gift,’” Lissie recalls while discussing her frame of mind while making the record. “The road in front of me is wide open.” Accordingly, Carving Canyons is another step in an impressive career that opens up endless possibilities for what’s to come.

Carving Canyons Tour

With cat clyde, water is life ⏤ stop line 3, hosted by winona laduke, with bon iver, mumu fresh, hippo campus  and more, 'avenue of the saints', virtual midwestern festival & benefit, with dave simonett, lissie, erik koskinen  and more, with reina del cid, omgigi presents yeehawoncé, with lady cummeal cassadine, priscilla es yuicy and  cariño, summer salt, with the symposium and  harmless.

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XS Noize | Latest Music News

• Interview Lissie On Her New American Tinged Indie Folk Album Carving Canyons

INTERVIEW: Lissie on her new American-tinged indie folk album Carving Canyons

In episode #101 of The XS Noize Podcast, Mark Millar catches up with singer-songwriter Lissie to talk about her new American-tinged indie folk album Carving Canyons. 

Lissie appeared in the TV shows Twin Peaks & Loudermilk . She co-owns a pop music genre-themed popcorn company Otts Pops Indie Pop , as well as living on, managing & conserving 45 acres in NE, Iowa. Carving Canyons is a sonic comfort as it simultaneously charts the ripples caused by heartbreak and loneliness and what happens when the soul perseveres amidst pain.

In this interview, Lissie talks about writing and recording Carving Canyons , starting a popcorn company , her upcoming UK tour and lots more.

Listen to episode #101 of The XS Noize Podcast with Lissie – BELOW:

Listen via  YouTube  |  Apple Podcasts  |  Spotify  |  Stitcher  |  Acast  |  RSS –  Find The XS Noize Music Podcast’s full Archive of episodes here .

Lissie now announces a February 2023 UK tour in support of ‘Carving Canyons’. It represents Lissie’s first full-scale headline tour since 2019 and follows a sold-out London show at Lafayette earlier this year.

Tickets for the shows, listed below, go on sale  HERE  from 10 am  this  Friday ,  September 23rd .  Lissie  is also set to embark upon an  in-store  UK  acoustic tour  which commences next week.

FEBRUARY 2023 14th – Portsmouth, The Wedgewood Rooms 15th – Cardiff, Tramshed 16th – Bath, Komedia 18th – Norwich, Arts Centre 20th – Birmingham, Town Hall 21st – Manchester, Club Academy 22nd – Glasgow, St. Luke’s 23rd – Leeds, The Wardrobe 25th – Brighton, Chalk 27th – Cambridge, The Junction 28th – London, KOKO

• Carving Canyons
• The XS Noize Podcast

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LISSIE ANNOUNCES THE 2023 ‘CARVING CANYONS’ UK TOUR

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Album Review: Lissie – Carving Canyons

American singer-songwriter Lissie has been a staple of the scene ever since her debut EP in 2009. Having began her career touring with Lenny Kravitz, she has seen her songs not only gain critical acclaim, but also extend into TV and film. Her fifth and latest album Carving Canyons is her first in four years, following the release of a collection of early works last year.

Bre Kennedy lends her heavenly vocals to the latter half of Flowers, a tune that pulsates with bright analogue synths and atmospheric guitar passages. Title track Carving Cannons features backing from two more strong female singers, Sarah Buxton and Kate York, the pair adding further levels to the already epic song. The album unleashes two more driving tracks, Hearts on Fire and Yellow Roses, before ending on the gorgeous Midnight. On the track, Lissie sings of looking back on her life, ‘for every tear, there’s a tear that dries’. It’s a hopeful finale, that’s lifted by reverb-heavy trumpets and piano.

Carving Canyons doesn’t redefine the folk-pop landscape by any means, but it adds a beautiful selection of tracks to the back catalogue. Lissie proves yet again that she is a fantastic lyricist, and the majority of the instrumentation lends itself to the words, allowing them to be heard loud and clear. Her chosen feature artists elevate the track list, and only empower the already well written songs. Carving Cannons shows that Lissie hasn’t lost her touch.

Writer and Musician, Ryan Bulbeck has been published with a number of online publications, and has worked with a myriad of great artists, both as a performer, and as a producer. His most recent band  The 295  are still active, playing shows around the UK.

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Americana Highways

on the road collecting the stories of Americana music

Interview: Lissie on “Carving Canyons” and Popcorn

Lissie — Carving Canyons

Singer-songwriter Lissie, like most of us, dealt with a fair share of personal turmoil during the pandemic. The place she did it, however, was different – her very own farm in Iowa, accompanied mostly by her trusty pup – and it allowed her to heal both herself and the land scarred by generations of agriculture. She also started the process of writing a new album, Carving Canyons , which deals with, well, dealing with pain (and bouncing back from it). Americana Highways spoke to Lissie about the importance of acknowledging that pain, the wisdom in writing with other women, and what her own, personal Song of the Summer was. Also – there’s popcorn!

Americana Highways: It was interesting learning you live on and run a farm now, correct?

Lissie: Yeah, ‘run a farm’ sounds a little more involved than it is. Not to say that it isn’t a lot of work. I moved back to the Midwest in 2015, and I have 45 acres, and mostly it’s just me and my dog and a garden. The woodlands and the tillable acreage, I’ve been doing a lot of conservancy, like getting goats to clean out invasives. Then, the tillable acres, trying to take them out of crop production and putting everything into prairie. So I’ve been learning a lot! It’s been awesome. 

AH: So, it sounds, in a way, almost like reverse farming – giving the land back a little bit?

L: Absolutely. I think some of my neighbors think I’m kinda nutso, but it’s more I’m working for the land than it’s working for me. I wanted to be more of a steward. Not that my small amount of acres and prairie will do a lot to sequester carbons, but there’s a lot to be said if more of the heartland was put back into prairie, that would actually sequester a lot of carbons, and I’m interested in that. 

AH: You were out on the farm for a good chunk of the pandemic. How did that kind of isolation affect the songs that ended up on Carving Canyons?

L: When the pandemic started, I was actually living with my ex-partner, who was a farmer, like an actual organic farmer. That was March 2020, I was out in Virginia. Then May 2020, I was, ‘I need to get back to my house and my life and my farm.’ I’d been touring and staying with him and going home. After two months of hanging in Virginia, I needed to get back to my house and check on everything. And once I got back to Iowa in May of 2020, when things were still pretty scary and uncertain – a lot of isolation and social distancing, not knowing when will I be able to hug my parents and all that stuff. My partner and I ended up breaking up in May of 2020. So I had a good six months on the farm, just trying to not only process the break-up, but I couldn’t run away, I couldn’t tour, I couldn’t distract myself. So I had a good, hard look at myself for about six months. My dog and I just hung out on the farm, pretty much alone! Did a lot of gardening, went for a lot of walks, just really sort of tried to observe the cycles in nature, the growth and clearing space to help other things grow. Just seeing a lot of metaphor in the things I was doing in the garden, that we’re happening outside. I think that I, like a lot of artists and people – it took me a good six months, and I didn’t start writing until November of 2020. Because I just felt, not only my breakup, but just the pain in the world and the isolation, seeing other people’s pain and politics  – everything was just so, so intense. So I had to really spend a good six months just trying to take good care of myself and healing and getting perspective. But once I started writing in November, it was like I had some time to reflect on these stages of grief I found myself in. Carving Canyons has got anger, sorrow, acceptance, hope – all the things. It’s like I made the album over an entire arc of healing. That was afforded by the pandemic, really. 

AH: For a lot of people, it was one of the weird side effects of the pandemic.

L: It could sound insensitive to say that anything good came from COVID, because obviously a lot of people died, and it was unbelievable – still, I can’t believe we’ve all been through this really intense thing. We’re collectively traumatized. But, yeah, I think, for a lot of people, there was a sort of slowing down that, for me, I haven’t done in over a decade. I just kind of have to sit with my feelings and confront myself and sort of try and grow and have self-awareness and emotional intelligence and practice self-care and do all of these things I’ve neglected for so long. It was kinda hard, but once I was able to sort of get the hang of it, I’m kind of grateful for having so much time to just be, and be in my home and be with my dog and to eventually be around more for my family and friends. I actually ended up meeting a new person who I’ve been dating for over a year who’s amazing, and I really think, had there not been this downtime, we probably wouldn’t have been able to have a relationship, because it’s hard to date someone who’s never home! 

AH: I bet, I bet! There was a lot of co-writing on the album. Is that kind of a new experience for you?

L: No, Since I put out [2010’s] Catching a Tiger , my first big release – I’d written a lot of songs prior, but my proper first album – I’ve always co-written. In part because songwriters aren’t getting enough love right now – not only recognition, but the industry really doesn’t compensate them properly – I felt even more compelled to shine a light on the fact that I couldn’t really write these songs alone. All the lyrics are true to me, and I’m making these songs about my life. But I kinda joke, I don’t write songs alone anymore because I’ll start something, then I’ll go clean my kitchen, or I’ll go to the grocery store  – I’ve turned into such a procrastinator that I’ve felt like if I’m really going to do this and I’m gonna write this song and see it through to the end and be able to be objective about it…some of the songs on the album I mostly wrote by myself, but I always like to bring in someone that I trust to bounce some ideas, because it’s sometimes hard to see things objectively when you’re just in it by yourself. I’ve always co-written a lot but, particularly on this record, because I’ve been in the game and I’ve made friends, I was really able to write with a lot of friends and sort of navigate setting up writing – a lot on Zoom and FaceTime – just through relationships that I had, “Hey, you wanna write a song on FaceTime today?” It was surprisingly effective, and really worked out! And not even on purpose, but there was just a ton of women who I wrote with on this record, and I did find there was something much more somehow efficient about that, whether that’s a coincidence or not. I felt like I was writing with a lot of my women friends, and we’re just bustin’ out the tunes. It felt really good. 

AH: You probably have a communication shorthand between you where you don’t have to work so hard to explain an idea, it’s like, ‘Oh, yeah, I get it!”

L: Yeah, and I never want to throw any of my male co-writers under the bus, because we all have our strengths, and you can’t generalize. But I do think that, for as much as I felt like a lot of these songs are about me, and they’re very specific, and they’re about MY life – some of the women I wrote with, they had an equally emotional life experience, that they were really their own perspective to the song, too. And that ended up becoming extra-healing, because sometimes when you go through hard stuff, you feel like, ‘Oh, I’m so alone in this. No one’s ever felt this sad.’ Well, the thing is, everyone’s gone through something, and it’s so universal. Once the song comes out the other side, it belongs to the listener, Writing with people, it was also healing to be like, ‘Oh, yeah, YOU felt this way. YOU felt betrayed. You felt lost. You felt whatever these feelings are.’ It was helpful to remember that this is just a part of life – we all go through it. We’ve all been through it. 

AH: That kind of leads me to Madi Diaz – she co-wrote one of the songs with you, and she’s becoming a favorite of mine, too.

L: Yeah, she’s just absolutely brilliant. Her [2021 album] History of a Feeling is very solid, an incredible record.

AH: And you co-wrote “Sad” together – seems to be a lot of heartache in that song.

L: Well, you know what’s funny with that song – I think it’s self-owning in its anger. I think there still is an awareness of, even if it’s immature, ‘You made me feel bad, so I want you to feel bad.’ It’s an emotional honesty – we feel that way sometimes! I think by the time you get to the end of the song…a lot of this album was me just sticking up for myself and saying, ‘I’m allowed to hurt. I’m allowed to be angry. Don’t tell me to get over it. I’m allowed these things.’ But Madi and I, her manager, Christian [Stavros] and I have been friends for a long time, and I’ve known her through friends of friends, but we’ve never really spent time together, and he set us up to Zoom write, and we wrote that song so quickly. But you know, listening to her album, she’s seen some things and been through some things and battling that sort of resentment and the anger, but also the acceptance and the hope. Again, it’s very universal, so she was probably able to tap into some of her own life experience of break-ups and people who maybe have hurt you who never had to really answer for it, and how that fits as time goes by. Then, eventually, you just are over it, and you let it go. But when you’re in it, there’s some fury there, and being denied the right to feel anger is SO BAD. It’s the worst. Let me have my anger, let me have my sadness. I will get over it, but only if I’m allowed to feel my feelings and express them. 

AH: “Yellow Roses” was written with Natalie Hemby , correct? 

L: Yeah and, I mean, talk about working with a total legend – she’s written some of the best songs ever! That was a huge honor. We again have a lot of friends of friends and kinda knew each other, but were connected through our teams to do a write. And we ended up writing over FaceTime, because it was during COVID, and it was right before Thanksgiving, and everyone was getting COVID. So November 2020 I was in Nashville, but we ended up just writing via FaceTime. With that song, Natalie, since she’s just an incredible crafter of songs, really had brought a title and a shape with her to the session, so I was able to sort of fill in the blanks alongside her via FaceTime to make the story work for me. To tell a side of my story which is, ultimately, you can’t make people love you, you have to love yourself, and you have to find the people that will. 

AH: One thing that stood out on that song for me was the harmonies, which were fantastic. It sounds like something that would really work well on country radio. Is there any thought toward pushing it in that direction?

L: I will say, just to add quickly – all of these songs that I wrote – not all of them, but most of these songs that I wrote, I had my co-writers come and sing background vocals. So Natalie Hemby actually is the one singing the harmonies on “Yellow Roses,” Madi Diaz came and sang some harmonies on “Sad.” Kate York and Sarah Buxton, who are also incredible artists and writers, they sang on “Carving Canyons,” which we did together. So it was really nice to be able to have the harmonies, it wasn’t just my voice – I used to just always, it was my voice singing with my voice, because I had a lot of ideas, and that was cool. But it was REALLY awesome to not only be able to have these women I admired voices on my record, but to have it be on the songs that they helped create. Because it’s not just about me. I couldn’t do this alone. I have so many people in my camp and in my world, from my producer to my musicians to the  songwriters to my manager and so forth. You know how it goes in the biz – there’s so many people that make things possible. So to your question – I’ve never really known what my ‘genre’ is. A few years ago, someone told me I’m NOT Americana. I don’t really know what I am. I’m from the Midwest. I have a British friend who tells me I’m the most American person she knows, because I’m always sitting on my porch! I think that I have done better overseas and in the UK. I’m kinda considered maybe more pop or indie rock, but I definitely think, just by virtue of my life and who I am and where I live, there’s definitely twinges of folk and Americana and country. And just my voice and my accent and my inspiration. But I’ve never been able to really define myself, so I don’t know if my team would even know how to get me on country radio! It’s not as simple as ‘I’m just deciding to play you’ – you kinda need a bunch of people to go to bat for you and come up with a plan, get the right people involved. But, if that were to be played on country radio, of course I would be totally pleased. I mean, I love country music. 

AH: Well, you mentioned the songwriters coming in and singing with you, and it did make several of the songs, definitely “Yellow Roses” and some of the others, stand out. It gave them all a different flavor. 

L: Yeah, I think that happened very loosely and naturally, which I loved. I didn’t have to make a big to-do, I was just in Nashville, and my producer [Curt Schneider] had come from LA to get some vocals. I always feel like I sing better in Nashville, because in LA it’s dry, so my voice is always a little pinched. But then I come to Nashville, and it was all humid – the humidity is good for my vocal cords – so I was just singin’ my butt off and was able to just call up Kate and Sarah and Bre Kennedy and Madi and Natalie and be like, ‘Hey, what are you doing over the next two days  – can you pop into the studio. No pressure.’ And everybody just rolled through and it was awesome! I really gave them freedom to ‘sing what you feel – I have a few ideas, but I’d just love for you to take it away.’ It adds such a dimension and a texture. I’m just so glad that that was able to work out, because it just adds more life and more perspective. It’s a group effort. 

AH: You mentioned influences. When I was listening to “Night Moves,” one of the singles – that could be a long lost Fleetwood Mac song, between the feel of it and your vocals in it. Stevie Nicks, I’d imagine, is a huge influence for you?

L: You know, not consciously. Of course, like pretty much every person, I adore her, and I think she’s just amazing, and I love her style and her voice. I’ve loved Fleetwood Mac over the years. They were never my main band I listened to, but I definitely LOVE Fleetwood Mac, and I LOVE Stevie Nicks. So I think maybe, on some subconscious level, that has happened. I’d almost say more to my producer and my musicians’ influence over recognizing that my voice can do those things, so they sort of nudge me in that direction. But I don;t know that it’s ever been intentional on my part to be like, ‘I have to be like Fleetwood Mac!’ I think it’s just sort of been this subconscious nudge that’s happened over the years, because of comparisons. And just the spirit of my music has lent itself to that kind of driving rock guitar and intense, smooth, sultry feeling that the songs and the voice have lent themselves to. But anytime I get that comparison, I’m just, ‘I’m not worthy.’ I’m honored. That’s really, really huge – I’m very grateful. This album, too – it’s funny, it also really doesn’t have a genre. “Night Moves” was the most obvious radio-ish song, so that’s the one you push. But, of course there’s 10, 11 other songs on the album that are kind of all existing in their own kind of world, hopefully. 

AH: Reading the bio, you had a quote in there that really got my attention – the album’s about grief, but also ‘addressing how things are always eventually going to change.’ Not many people seem to be able to wrap their heads around that, that things are just bound to change. How did you get there? How did you realize that?

L: There was a song that I never really quite finished – it wasn’t strong enough – that had a line in it, “All it took was time.” I think that through lived experience I’ve had, just based on me focusing on my career – as a woman, I’ve had to make certain choices in my life, in focusing on my career, or even in buying a farm, I’ve sort of given up other things. So I’ve had this sort of pain of letting go of a lot of relationships that didn’t work out, in particular, but not just specific to relationships, just any kind of grief in life. I went to a pretty dark place in the summer of 2020, and just watching the seeds that I’d planted sprout, and then grow, and then as the fall approached, everything stood this term called ‘senescence,’ when everything starts to yellow and decay, and the light gets kinda long and low – I kinda sound cheesy, but I feel like just watching. Nature knows, and nature’s brutal. I’d plant radish seeds, and maybe five of them would pop up in the same little spot, and four of them would have to go, and I was, “Oh my god, which one can stay, and which one has to go?” And I would kind of internalize it – life is so brutal! In order for this one radish to reach its full glory, I have to sacrifice these other four! So I was seeing so many parallels in nature. And life is brutal, life is full of pain, and it is hard. But it’s also amazing and joyful. And so I think that thing of just, take it day by day, give it  time, that old cliche “Time heals all wounds.” When you’re stuck in a really sh!tty spot, you can’t think too much about it. You just need to feel your feelings and know that, eventually, you’ll process them, and you’ll get to the other side. And as much as it’s terrible to have to go through hard things, these are the things that create this landscape of our lives, and all of its texture and its edges and its depressions and its color, that rich pageant of life that we all experience. Simply put, all it takes is time. And I know that – I’ve gone through some stuff  that felt like I don’t know how I’m going to get through this, but everybody has. And you just gotta give it time. I’ve learned I have to take really good care of my physical health when I’m going through that stuff, too. Just going for walks, moving your body, and taking breaths and eating nourishing foods, all of those things that I think aid you in the process of getting to the other side. But I think feeling your emotions is just such a theme of the album – I’m allowed to hurt – because you can’t go around it, you can’t skip it, you’ve gotta feel the feelings. Otherwise, you’ll just box it up somewhere toxic in your body, and it’ll just follow you around forever. So you gotta feel it and get through it. 

AH: You’re about to head out on tour. Is this your first tour, semi post-pandemic?

L: I’ve done a few little one-offs – I was able to go over to the UK last spring and did, like, three shows, and I did a couple shows this summer in Norway. Yeah, this’ll be the first time consistently like, ‘Let’s do this.’ Going to the UK to rehearse, and then we’ve got five or six shows in Norway, and then I go to the UK to do all these record store in-store promo things, and then I come home, then I start my US tour. So aside from some one-offs in the last couple years and some socially distanced things I did during COVID, this is my first time really, ‘OK, we’re goin’ on tour.’ And it’s awesome, and it’s also kinda scary! 

AH: Well, continue on that, because that’s basically what I was about to ask – how are you feeling about all of this?

L: I think, just like anything, muscle memory, a decade of kind of being on the go non-stop, you kinda get used to that lifestyle, and the plane rides, and the jetlag, and the days of adjustment to get into the swing of things when you go overseas, and you’re immediately hittin’ the ground runnin’. Those were things that I was pretty in the habit of being able to do. And then I think, even just the last two years, being such a break, that even without touring I’m getting busy. I have a popcorn company and I have a store that I opened. I have my farm and my partner and my family and my friends, my music and my dog. Suddenly, with being busy it’s like, ‘How did I do this before?’ I’m just starting to learn what it’s like again to be on the go. So I think I have felt really excited, I’m really excited to be part of a team again. I love being part of a band. Being able to see my band again and play with them is gonna feel good. I love to be part of a team. I never played sports, really, in high school. It wasn’t ‘til I was an adult that I felt like I knew what it was to be on a team. So I missed that. I’m not drinking. I’m exercising, I’m eating really good food. I’m training as though I’m an athlete right now. Because I’m also turning 40 this year! I know that’s still young. My body doesn’t put up with the things it did when I was 25, and I started doing all this stuff, so I’m a little nervous! But I’m also excited. 

AH: What else are you listening to right now? Who are you listening to, and who’s grabbed your ears lately?

L: You know, it’s interesting, and I feel like it’s kind of an obnoxious thing to say, but I listened to so much music growing up in high school and in college and in my early 20s in LA and I was always at concerts – I kind of feel like, once I started doing this for a living, that the thing that I listen to or go to when I’m trying to just go through my day, I’ll just put on classical music radio around the house  – no singing, just music and dynamics and beauty. I watch a lot of TV, because I really like just watching comedies over and over. I listen to healthy podcasts and stuff. The Current radio station [89.3 Minnesota Public Radio], which is up in the Twin Cities, my closest city to where I live – I listen to a lot of The Current, and they’re playing a lot of Maggie Rogers, Phoebe Bridgers, Courtney Barnett. I feel like there’s so much great music coming from women these days. I also tend to like to re-discover old stuff. There was a song…”Steppin’ Out,” by, uhm…

AH: Joe Jackson?

L: Joe Jackson! That song! That was the song of my summer. I was getting that song stuck in my head, and I’m ‘What song is that?’ I could never figure it out. And then I was in a hardware store, and I heard it, and I was ‘Siri, what song is this?’ So “Steppin’ Out” by Joe Jackson was literally  – I would listen to it seven times in a row every single day for two months. I’m the person that gets stuck on one and listens to it ‘til I’m sick of it. 

AH: Yeah, I’ll get myself into those ruts, too, but one there’s one thing you want to hear, that’s all that’ll work for ya.

L: Mm-hmm. That song just gets you feelin’ like, ‘Oh, yeah, I’m feelin’ intense now. I’m feelin’ good. I’m ready to step out!’ I’m all about that music that puts you in that space – like Boney M. or ABBA – just things that I’ve known forever that I kind of come back around to. But of course there’s just so much great new music, and I should be better at – do you ever feel just the sheer volume of what’s happening on the internet is overwhelming? 

AH: Yes! I get overwhelmed sometimes about how much I want to listen to something new, and I just don’t get the chance sometimes. I just don’t have the physical time. 

L: Yeah, it’s almost like this action paralysis. I used to listen to so much music, but there is something now that the possibilities feel literally infinite, and I will sometimes find that there’s things that are flashy to the eye that I’ll see on Instagram, something that will kind of pull my attention, and then it doesn’t really have the substance that I’m looking for. But it’s definitely visually pleasing. So it’s sometimes hard to weed through and find what you really like, you know? 

AH: Yeah, yeah. But it’s fun, too. You end up, if you do it enough, you find some really good ones. And you find some not-so-good ones, admittedly. 

L: Yeah, there’s this band that’s been around forever called Mountain Goats? I was recently at a Record Store Day Summer Camp thing in New Orleans and just bumped into this guy in the hallway, and we were, ‘Do I know you? I feel like we’ve met.’ And it was the lead singer of Mountain Goats [John Darnielle]. So I’ve kind of been back into The Mountain Goats, realizing that’s a good reminder, I bumped into him in the hallway, I gotta get back into them. And they have a really cool new song out. So I’m always sort of trying to be aware of what’s going on, but sometimes I don’t do a great job. I think we’re all just too busy right now.

AH: Sometimes, though, there is that rush of hearing something new, or new to you, and it just does knock you out, and that’s great.

L: And I know there’s an example like that that I should be giving you, and I cannot, for the life of me, pull it from my brain right now. But definitely Madi Diaz, for sure. That History of a Feeling album was, from beginning to end, just breathtaking. That album has so much substance, and it’ll really suck you in, and you just really want to keep listening. There’s no filler.

AH: Anything else you want to say about the album or tour or life or the farm or anything?

L: It’s been four years since I’ve put out a full album of new songs. I did a lot of reissues and covers and things in the meantime. Like so many people, COVID definitely hit the big pause button, but I’m proud of these songs. They’re all true, and it was really healing for me to make this record. So I think as a musician, what I really hope, even aside from how the critics respond, or the industry, it’s more important to me, I think, that the people who get this music can then use it and apply it to their own experiences and heartaches and process, because I think that’s just such a gift. I feel honored to make music, and it sounds cheesy, but you have to feel your feelings, and if I can help people feel deeply and cry or ruminate on something in their own life – I just think that process of feeling and release is the path toward peace in this world. Is everyone taking responsibility for their emotional world and not going around projecting it on other people? I think it would just be more peaceful if more people took responsibility for their emotions and did a little bit better of a job of being right with themselves so they didn’t have to go around and be sh!tty to other people. So that’s how I feel about that! Other than that, I’ve got a popcorn company – it’s called Otts’ Pops Indie Pop, and we make pop music-themed popcorn, so we have Folk Pop, Cheesy Pop, Dream Pop, Synth Pop, Country Pop, Brit Pop. We make all this popcorn that’s based on pop music, and that’s been a really good project to do during COVID, since I couldn’t really play shows. I like to stay busy! I like a project. 

Go here to order Carving Canyons (out September 16): https://lissie-us.myshopify.com/

Check out tour dates for Lissie here: https://lissie.com/

If you’ve got a hankerin’ for popcorn: https://www.ottspops.com/

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Moscow Free Tour

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Description

Highlights:.

• Hit the Red Square;
• Explore the nooks and crannies of Alexander Garden;
• Get a taste of the ancient Kitay Gorod;
• Learn about the tragic destiny of the Christ the Savior Cathedral;
• Roam through the heart of Moscow.

Walking Tour Itinerary:

Here are our TOP 7 things to help you start your Russian adventure or tick off before you say goodbye to Moscow.

Wander around the vast cobblestone square with rich past, gorgeous architecture, incredible GUM , bright colors of the Kremlin and swirling Saint Basil’s Cathedral .

Kitay Gorod

Walk across the Red Square to see the embankment of old Moscow river and plunge into the atmosphere of ancient Russian village where nobles preferred to settle in XV century.

Varvarka street

Walk up Varvarka street to find the landmark of Kitay Gorod - Palace of the Romanov Boyars, which was built in the XVI century and where lived the first Tsar from the Romanov dynasty.

Old English Court

Look at the Old English Court , which used to be the English Embassy in Moscow and where Ivan the Terrible confined the envoy from England, because Queen Elizabeth I refused to marry him.

Alexander Garden

Watch the solemn ceremony of the Changing of the guards , pay respect to the eternal flame at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier , and the stone Grotto , The huge fountain in the centre adds a sophisticated feel to the almost 200 year old garden.

Christ the Savior Cathedral

Walk to the cathedral which is of a great cultural value to Russians. Its marvelous exterior, enormous golden domes, colossal bronze doors and pristine white walls will touch your feelings.

Patriarch’s Bridge

Pause on the bridge and marvel at the Kremlin, river cruises, monument after Peter the Great and Red October Chocolate Factory , which is now a nightlife hub for youngsters.

About Moscow:

We picked up a list of article that might be useful and helpful to you during your stay in Moscow. These are things to do in Moscow, tips about Moscow, best cafes in Moscow and simply fun facts about Moscow. Enjoy reading!

Before coming to Moscow:

• Our fun guides sharing their observations about their tours and best practices:
• https://friendlylocalguides.com/blog/moscow-private-guides-on-tours-in-moscow
• What you should know about Moscow:  
• https://friendlylocalguides.com/blog/5-things-to-know-before-you-go-to-moscow

Off the beaten path of Moscow:

• Kitay Gorod:
• https://friendlylocalguides.com/blog/moscow-must-see-fun-facts-about-kitay-gorod
• Zamoskvorechye:
• https://friendlylocalguides.com/blog/moscow-must-see-fun-facts-about-zamoskvorechye
• White City:
• https://friendlylocalguides.com/blog/moscow-off-the-beaten-path-white-city  

The best parks in Moscow:

• Muzeon Statues Park:
• https://friendlylocalguides.com/blog/moscow-off-the-beaten-path-muzeon-park
• Gorky Park: 
• https://friendlylocalguides.com/blog/moscow-gorky-park
• Tsaritsino Park: 
• https://friendlylocalguides.com/blog/moscow-must-see-37-reasons-to-visit-tsaritsyno
• Kolomenskoe Park:
•   https://friendlylocalguides.com/blog/things-to-do-in-moscow-kolomenskoe-museum-reserve

The most historical and beautiful streets of Moscow:

• Arbat  srreet: 
• https://friendlylocalguides.com/blog/things-to-do-in-moscow-arbat-street
• Tverskaya street: 
• https://friendlylocalguides.com/blog/moscow-things-to-do-tverskaya-street
• Downtown of Moscow: 
• https://friendlylocalguides.com/blog/things-to-do-moscow-streets

What to do in Moscow:

• How to have a Real Russian Experience:
• https://friendlylocalguides.com/blog/real-russian-experience
• Things to do in Moscow:
• https://friendlylocalguides.com/blog/21-things-to-do-in-moscow
• Architectural masterpieces, hidden gems of Moscow:
• https://friendlylocalguides.com/blog/things-to-do-in-moscow-off-the-beaten-path
• Top Moscow attractions:
• https://friendlylocalguides.com/blog/top-10-moscow-attractions

Budget travel:

• How to have fun in Moscow for less than $4:
• How to save money in Moscow:
• https://friendlylocalguides.com/blog/7-ways-to-save-money-while-travelling-to-moscow

Cafes & restaurants in Moscow:

• Moscow cafes with Russian breakfast:
• https://friendlylocalguides.com/blog/moscow-cafes-with-russian-breakfast
• Best Moscow restaurants:
• https://friendlylocalguides.com/blog/best-moscow-restaurants
• Best coffee shops in Moscow:
• https://friendlylocalguides.com/blog/moscow-best-coffee-shops

Moscow Metro:

• Facts about Moscow Metro:
• https://friendlylocalguides.com/blog/fun-facts-about-moscow-metro
• Myths about Moscow Metro:
• https://friendlylocalguides.com/blog/7-myths-about-moscow-metro
• Facts about Moscow:
• https://friendlylocalguides.com/blog/fun-facts-50-facts-about-moscow
• Fun Facts about Kremlin:
• https://friendlylocalguides.com/blog/33-fun-facts-from-our-kremlin-tours
• The best flea markets in Moscow:
• https://friendlylocalguides.com/blog/moscow-best-flea-markets
• Top 5 Russian souvenirs:
• https://friendlylocalguides.com/blog/top-5-russian-souvenirs

What you get:

• + A friend in Moscow.
• + Private & customized Moscow tour.
• + An exciting pastime, not just boring history lessons.
• + An authentic experience of local life.
• + Flexibility during the walking tour: changes can be made at any time to suit individual preferences.
• + Amazing deals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner in the very best cafes & restaurants. Discounts on weekdays (Mon-Fri).
• + A photo session amongst spectacular Moscow scenery that can be treasured for a lifetime.
• + Good value for souvenirs, taxis, and hotels.
• + Expert advice on what to do, where to go, and how to make the most of your time in Moscow.

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Carl Fabergé and Masters of stone carving

Moscow Current Events

Moscow in miniature Would you like to see the central part of the largest city model that will enter the Guinness Book of World Records? You have an excellent chance to do it till the end of 2015 in All-Russia Exhibition Centre VDNKh. We belive that an architecture model of Moscow (Moscow in miniature) performed at a scale of 1:400 is really worth seeing.

Russian Impressionism Museum Art-buffs are welcome to visit the Russian Impressionism Museum, which opened its doors in Moscow on the 28th of May. The exhibition hall is located on the grounds of the former “Bolshevik” confectionery factory grounds.

Robostation in VDNH If you are interested in everything connected with robots you should certainly attend one of the most curious interactive museum called Robostation, situated in All-Russia Exhibition Centre VDNH. Here visitors of all ages have a great chance to get acquainted with modern robots, take part in different activities, enjoy technopark, chemistry show and show of dancing robots.

Archive Of Moscow Events:

19.06.2019 — 15.09.2019 Shchukin. Biography of a Collection. The Pushkin State Museum of Fine Arts presents one of the most prominent collections of European Modernist art, encompassing the most important artistic trends of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.The Shchukin exhibition includes masterpieces by Claude Monet, Pierre Auguste Renoir, Paul Cézanne, Paul Gaugin, Vincent van Gogh, Henri Matisse, Pablo Picasso, and other masters.

18.05.2019 — 19.05.2019 Moscow Museums Night 2019 In 2019 in Moscow Museums Night will be held on May 18. Hundreds of urban cultural spaces will be open until midnight, and some until morning. Many galleries and museums have prepared special programs with free guided tours, concerts and master classes. 2019 year in Russia has been declared as the Year of the Theater, therefore many events will be devoted to the history of the theater.

16.03.2019 — 18.08.2019 Ilya Repin exhibition All art admirers are welcome to the New Tretyakov Gallery to see a large-scale exhibition of works by Ilya Repin. He was the most renowned Russian realist artist of the 19th century.Please be aware that tickets for the exhibition can only be bought in advance and are not sold on the day of the visit at the box office.

18.01.2019 — 23.02.2019 Primeval Russia Photo Exhibition One of the most interesting photo festivals opened its doors to the visitors of all ages in CHA (Tsentralny Dom Hudozhnika). The exhibition uniting more than 500 works is devoted to Russian nature. The project “Primeval Russia” was organized by the enthusiastic photographers, documentary directors, cameramen, travelers and scientists. These talented people wanted not only to share the most fascinating views of our country and reveal some interesting facts about wild animals but also to draw visitors' attention to the main theme - relationships between man and nature.

31.10.2018 — 20.01.2019 East: Another Beauty Exhibition 2018 marks the 100th anniversary of the State Museum of the Oriental Art. The State Museum of the Oriental Art is the only cultural center in Russia specializing in the storage, study and popularization of the eastern peoples' culture and art.

13.10.2018 — 14.10.2018 Moscow is behind us 1941. The military-historical festival Did you know that Borodino Field was not only the location of the Battle of Borodino during Napoleoinic Wars but also the place of a severe clash between the Soviet and German forces in 1941? Join the festival of military reconstruction where the events of the WW II will come to life.

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Lissie’s   Carving Canyons  finds the acclaimed singer-songwriter digging deep to carry on through life’s many uncertainties. The singer-songwriter’s fifth album is her most personal expression yet, with twelve songs that chart the ripples caused by heartbreak and loneliness as well as what happens when the soul perseveres amidst pain.  Carving Canyons  is as deeply felt as Lissie’s music has ever been, with sumptuous production and indelible melodies that will surely stand the test of time.

Carving Canyons  came about at Lissie’s own pace, following tour outings behind 2018’s  Castles  and the piano-based retrospective  When I’m Alone  from 2019. “It wasn’t a time where I felt like I had a lot to say,” she recalls, “and each record typically comes from a shift in my life where I need to share things.” As the COVID-19 pandemic spread across the world, Lissie was also dealing with an impactful breakup on her Iowa farm. “It was such a heavy time—not just for me but for the world, of course—and I needed love, support, and connection,” she says. “Because there was so much isolation, it was an important period of time for me to explore some of my dark places and process it all.”

As Lissie took in the nature and observed the seasons changing around her and within her, the songs that would make up  Carving Canyons  started to flow from her. “Sometimes, as seeds begin to sprout, you have to thin them out so that the ones you keep have enough space to grow and thrive,” she sagely states while reflecting on this time. “It’s a metaphor for making space for what matters, a brutal, beautiful cycle that can also be very healing, and it all comes from surrender. Furthermore, with the right amount of time, so much can grow and change so quickly.  The garden was a helpful reminder to have hope for the future.”

Throughout the early days of the pandemic and her breakup, Lissie was home more than if she’d been on tour. “I was able to deepen my friendships with women in my community,” she remembers, “and during the summer of 2020, I found myself with this incredible intergenerational female friend group. I think I pulled a lot of strength not only from their friendship but from observing the seasons and stages of their lives—where they’d been, what they’d overcome, and where they were going. We lifted each other up.”

Lissie traveled to Nashville and co-wrote much of  Carving Canyons  with a majority of female-identifying songwriters—including Bre Kennedy, Madi Diaz, Morgan Nagler, Natalie Hemby, Kate York, and Sarah Buxton—who also contribute additional vocals throughout the album.  “It felt like we could pool our collective experience into sisterhood, self-expression & support.” she says. “There was definitely a theme of relying on my network of women and gathering strength from knowing that they, too, had been through the ringer in some way, shape or form—and had come out the other side! And whether it be in a song or in the garden, we took our pain and turned it into purpose and beauty.”

Near the end of 2020, Lissie started studio work on  Carving Canyons  with producer and frequent collaborator Curt Schneider, kicking off a year-long recording process. “Curt was open to me writing and recording these batches of songs over the year as I was shifting perspectives,” Lissie says. “The record ended up following the process of grief, as well as addressing how things are always eventually going to change.”

Her independence within the context of the music industry—which she’s maintained since releasing 2016’s  My Wild West  on her Lionboy label—also enabled her to write straight from the heart, without feeling rushed by deadlines: “I really only write when I’m bursting at the seams, and it’s such a therapeutic thing to do. These songs become the listeners’ songs too, and hopefully it helps them deal with their emotions as well. It’s all universal.”

First single “Flowers” sounds expansive and wide-open, as Lissie sings about the process of grief and what it takes to push ahead. “The prettiest blooms literally come from shit, it’s a fertilizer,” she says while talking about the song’s lyrical themes. “I wanted to claim my right to feel my feelings. As I grieved—not only for a relationship, but for the world in the midst of a pandemic—I felt like my anger made people uncomfortable, but I came out the other side empowered and ready to step back into my light. I can grow my own flowers and make my own joy.”

The Diaz co-write “Sad” came about after Lissie was drawing from anger surrounding her relationship’s dissolution, and finding out that her songwriting partner had similar feelings she was able to tap into. “There’s hints of compassion, too,” she explains. “We wanted to draw that feeling of a person hurting you and never having to answer for doing that. You feel like you want to punish them.” Meanwhile, the glowing benevolence of “Chasing the Sun” was inspired by the early sunsets of Iowa winter: “I was driving and I felt like I was almost keeping pace with the sun. It’s about keeping your eyes on the horizon and having that hope for the future—looking for a bright spot to keep you going.”

“Night Moves” conjures the lush, nocturnal pop of Fleetwood Mac as well as Jenny Lewis’ recent work, while the gently stomping “Unlock the Chains” zooms in on, in Lissie’s words, “Having to understand what I want out of life, as well as who I want to be.”  Carving Canyons ’ winding, expansive title track explores the ways in which our own emotional experiences are forming new topographical textures to explore and reflect on: “There is beauty in pain,” Lissie says while talking about the song’s thematic focus. “It’s a part of life and our life story. What we go through creates the landscape of which to view a lifetime. If I’d never broken myself open, there’d be nothing to see.”

Then there’s “Lonesome Wine,” which finds Lissie examining her own relationship with alcohol in one of the most plaintively beautiful melodies she’s sung in her career to date. “For a lot of years I coped with things that didn’t feel good by opening up a bottle of wine,” she ruminates while discussing the song’s thematic bent. “But I realized that what I’m looking for isn’t in this bottle.”

Overall,  Carving Canyons  is about looking within while dealing with the uncertainty of the future—finding hope in personal and worldly adversity, no matter what the forecast might say.  “Some days it was so terrifying that I didn’t know how to carry on—and then I realized, ‘How exciting. What a gift,’” Lissie recalls while discussing her frame of mind while making the record. “The road in front of me is wide open.” Accordingly,  Carving Canyons  is another step in an impressive career that opens up endless possibilities for what’s to come.

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40 facts about elektrostal.

Written by Lanette Mayes

Modified & Updated: 02 Mar 2024

Reviewed by Jessica Corbett

Elektrostal is a vibrant city located in the Moscow Oblast region of Russia. With a rich history, stunning architecture, and a thriving community, Elektrostal is a city that has much to offer. Whether you are a history buff, nature enthusiast, or simply curious about different cultures, Elektrostal is sure to captivate you.

This article will provide you with 40 fascinating facts about Elektrostal, giving you a better understanding of why this city is worth exploring. From its origins as an industrial hub to its modern-day charm, we will delve into the various aspects that make Elektrostal a unique and must-visit destination.

So, join us as we uncover the hidden treasures of Elektrostal and discover what makes this city a true gem in the heart of Russia.

Key Takeaways:

• Elektrostal, known as the “Motor City of Russia,” is a vibrant and growing city with a rich industrial history, offering diverse cultural experiences and a strong commitment to environmental sustainability.
• With its convenient location near Moscow, Elektrostal provides a picturesque landscape, vibrant nightlife, and a range of recreational activities, making it an ideal destination for residents and visitors alike.

Known as the “Motor City of Russia.”

Elektrostal, a city located in the Moscow Oblast region of Russia, earned the nickname “Motor City” due to its significant involvement in the automotive industry.

Home to the Elektrostal Metallurgical Plant.

Elektrostal is renowned for its metallurgical plant, which has been producing high-quality steel and alloys since its establishment in 1916.

Boasts a rich industrial heritage.

Elektrostal has a long history of industrial development, contributing to the growth and progress of the region.

Founded in 1916.

The city of Elektrostal was founded in 1916 as a result of the construction of the Elektrostal Metallurgical Plant.

Located approximately 50 kilometers east of Moscow.

Elektrostal is situated in close proximity to the Russian capital, making it easily accessible for both residents and visitors.

Known for its vibrant cultural scene.

Elektrostal is home to several cultural institutions, including museums, theaters, and art galleries that showcase the city’s rich artistic heritage.

A popular destination for nature lovers.

Surrounded by picturesque landscapes and forests, Elektrostal offers ample opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and birdwatching.

Hosts the annual Elektrostal City Day celebrations.

Every year, Elektrostal organizes festive events and activities to celebrate its founding, bringing together residents and visitors in a spirit of unity and joy.

Has a population of approximately 160,000 people.

Elektrostal is home to a diverse and vibrant community of around 160,000 residents, contributing to its dynamic atmosphere.

Boasts excellent education facilities.

The city is known for its well-established educational institutions, providing quality education to students of all ages.

A center for scientific research and innovation.

Elektrostal serves as an important hub for scientific research, particularly in the fields of metallurgy, materials science, and engineering.

Surrounded by picturesque lakes.

The city is blessed with numerous beautiful lakes, offering scenic views and recreational opportunities for locals and visitors alike.

Well-connected transportation system.

Elektrostal benefits from an efficient transportation network, including highways, railways, and public transportation options, ensuring convenient travel within and beyond the city.

Famous for its traditional Russian cuisine.

Food enthusiasts can indulge in authentic Russian dishes at numerous restaurants and cafes scattered throughout Elektrostal.

Home to notable architectural landmarks.

Elektrostal boasts impressive architecture, including the Church of the Transfiguration of the Lord and the Elektrostal Palace of Culture.

Offers a wide range of recreational facilities.

Residents and visitors can enjoy various recreational activities, such as sports complexes, swimming pools, and fitness centers, enhancing the overall quality of life.

Provides a high standard of healthcare.

Elektrostal is equipped with modern medical facilities, ensuring residents have access to quality healthcare services.

Home to the Elektrostal History Museum.

The Elektrostal History Museum showcases the city’s fascinating past through exhibitions and displays.

A hub for sports enthusiasts.

Elektrostal is passionate about sports, with numerous stadiums, arenas, and sports clubs offering opportunities for athletes and spectators.

Celebrates diverse cultural festivals.

Throughout the year, Elektrostal hosts a variety of cultural festivals, celebrating different ethnicities, traditions, and art forms.

Electric power played a significant role in its early development.

Elektrostal owes its name and initial growth to the establishment of electric power stations and the utilization of electricity in the industrial sector.

Boasts a thriving economy.

The city’s strong industrial base, coupled with its strategic location near Moscow, has contributed to Elektrostal’s prosperous economic status.

Houses the Elektrostal Drama Theater.

The Elektrostal Drama Theater is a cultural centerpiece, attracting theater enthusiasts from far and wide.

Popular destination for winter sports.

Elektrostal’s proximity to ski resorts and winter sport facilities makes it a favorite destination for skiing, snowboarding, and other winter activities.

Promotes environmental sustainability.

Elektrostal prioritizes environmental protection and sustainability, implementing initiatives to reduce pollution and preserve natural resources.

Home to renowned educational institutions.

Elektrostal is known for its prestigious schools and universities, offering a wide range of academic programs to students.

Committed to cultural preservation.

The city values its cultural heritage and takes active steps to preserve and promote traditional customs, crafts, and arts.

Hosts an annual International Film Festival.

The Elektrostal International Film Festival attracts filmmakers and cinema enthusiasts from around the world, showcasing a diverse range of films.

Encourages entrepreneurship and innovation.

Elektrostal supports aspiring entrepreneurs and fosters a culture of innovation, providing opportunities for startups and business development.

Offers a range of housing options.

Elektrostal provides diverse housing options, including apartments, houses, and residential complexes, catering to different lifestyles and budgets.

Home to notable sports teams.

Elektrostal is proud of its sports legacy, with several successful sports teams competing at regional and national levels.

Boasts a vibrant nightlife scene.

Residents and visitors can enjoy a lively nightlife in Elektrostal, with numerous bars, clubs, and entertainment venues.

Promotes cultural exchange and international relations.

Elektrostal actively engages in international partnerships, cultural exchanges, and diplomatic collaborations to foster global connections.

Surrounded by beautiful nature reserves.

Nearby nature reserves, such as the Barybino Forest and Luchinskoye Lake, offer opportunities for nature enthusiasts to explore and appreciate the region’s biodiversity.

Commemorates historical events.

The city pays tribute to significant historical events through memorials, monuments, and exhibitions, ensuring the preservation of collective memory.

Promotes sports and youth development.

Elektrostal invests in sports infrastructure and programs to encourage youth participation, health, and physical fitness.

Hosts annual cultural and artistic festivals.

Throughout the year, Elektrostal celebrates its cultural diversity through festivals dedicated to music, dance, art, and theater.

Provides a picturesque landscape for photography enthusiasts.

The city’s scenic beauty, architectural landmarks, and natural surroundings make it a paradise for photographers.

Connects to Moscow via a direct train line.

The convenient train connection between Elektrostal and Moscow makes commuting between the two cities effortless.

A city with a bright future.

Elektrostal continues to grow and develop, aiming to become a model city in terms of infrastructure, sustainability, and quality of life for its residents.

In conclusion, Elektrostal is a fascinating city with a rich history and a vibrant present. From its origins as a center of steel production to its modern-day status as a hub for education and industry, Elektrostal has plenty to offer both residents and visitors. With its beautiful parks, cultural attractions, and proximity to Moscow, there is no shortage of things to see and do in this dynamic city. Whether you’re interested in exploring its historical landmarks, enjoying outdoor activities, or immersing yourself in the local culture, Elektrostal has something for everyone. So, next time you find yourself in the Moscow region, don’t miss the opportunity to discover the hidden gems of Elektrostal.

Q: What is the population of Elektrostal?

A: As of the latest data, the population of Elektrostal is approximately XXXX.

Q: How far is Elektrostal from Moscow?

A: Elektrostal is located approximately XX kilometers away from Moscow.

Q: Are there any famous landmarks in Elektrostal?

A: Yes, Elektrostal is home to several notable landmarks, including XXXX and XXXX.

Q: What industries are prominent in Elektrostal?

A: Elektrostal is known for its steel production industry and is also a center for engineering and manufacturing.

Q: Are there any universities or educational institutions in Elektrostal?

A: Yes, Elektrostal is home to XXXX University and several other educational institutions.

Q: What are some popular outdoor activities in Elektrostal?

A: Elektrostal offers several outdoor activities, such as hiking, cycling, and picnicking in its beautiful parks.

Q: Is Elektrostal well-connected in terms of transportation?

A: Yes, Elektrostal has good transportation links, including trains and buses, making it easily accessible from nearby cities.

Q: Are there any annual events or festivals in Elektrostal?

A: Yes, Elektrostal hosts various events and festivals throughout the year, including XXXX and XXXX.

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