Lightning 100 is excited to present Rayland Baxter with his song “Albatross” as our Local Artist of the week.
Native Nashville musician and songwriter Rayland Baxter is Casey’s pick for Local Artist of the week. Baxter’s sound blends folk and country influenced songwriting with luscious pop harmonies and groovy production. Additionally, Baxter’s list of writing collaborations features fellow Americana artists like Shakey Graves and Paul McDonald. Sincere writing and sweeping instrumentation are what set this local artist apart and what shines through best in this week’s pick “Albatross”.
For this specific Local Artist of the Week pick, Rayland Baxter teamed up with Song Confessional. Song Confessional is a production studio with a unique mission. They give songwriters anonymous stories from strangers and have them write songs about those experiences. Then, they team up to produce those songs. Similarly, Albatross was inspired by a conversation Baxter had with a woman Newport Folk Festival in 2013 after she confided in Baxter about her journey with grief. The unnamed woman explained her connection to another one of Baxter’s songs, “Willy’s Song”, which she listened to with her brother before he passed away.
The song’s title “Albatross” refers to both the seabird and the expression, “albatross around my neck,” a metaphor for an emotional burden which harkens back to the traditions of sailors in the 19th century. In this song Baxter explores themes of loss and grief with lyrics like, “I’m writing you a letter with a break in my heart.” He calls on the image of the albatross flying high up in the open sky over the water. Baxter uses this imagery to represent a person’s reaction to loss. He says, “If I’m honest I’m still holding on. All alone following the sun.” The song’s heavy themes are contrasted by uplifting melodies and warm bass tones that engulf the listener. Baxter’s lush instrumentation and heartfelt writing help carry the song to its hopeful conclusion.
Listen to Albatross at the link below!
Tune in to 100.1 FM and lightning100.com all week to hear “Albatross” by Rayland Baxter, our Local Artist of the Week!
