119: Jaime Wyatt

On Episode 119, I'm joined by singer-songwriter Jaime Wyatt, who released her excellent full-length album, Neon Cross, this past May. So much of Neon Cross is shaped by Wyatt's time living out in Los Angeles and coming to terms with addiction, relapse, & eventually, her current sobriety. There most certainly is heartache, grief, and self-loathing throughout Neon Cross, but Wyatt's strength, beauty, grit, and humanity are often shining beacons within the midst of that hazy fog as well. Throughout, Wyatt is as genuine a storyteller as they come, often mixing in that grief and heartache with tongue-in-cheek winks, gems of wisdom, and moments of clarity, hope, and resolve. The daring "Neon Cross" is a charging thunderhead that acts as Wyatt's anthem while "Mercy" is a wind and desert swept prayer. The hard-living "L I V I N" is an instant Wyatt classic that sees her at her most Roger Miller while the likes of "Hurt So Bad" is pure country gold.

During this conversation, Wyatt and I talk about the writing of the album, working with Shooter Jennings (who produced the album), the stories & emotions that shaped these songs, the genuine honesty & humor in her lyrics, dealing with the outdated gatekeepers of Country music, being both rooted in traditional country & bold enough to break into new territory, moving from LA, and our favorite albums and songs by the likes of Leon Russell, Elton John, The Rolling Stones, and Bob Dylan.

This episode's presenting partner is Desert Door Texas Sotol and The Blue Light Live.

Interview Transcript

Note: Transcripts aren’t always accurate since they are computer automated and haven’t been edited for spelling, grammar, etc.