150: Bella White

On the final episode of the year, I'm joined by singer-songwriter Bella White. White released her debut album, the excellent and endearing Just Like Leaving this past September and is not only one of the best debuts of recent memory, Just Like Leaving is one of 2020's best moments overall. Even though she's a newcomer, White delivers like a seasoned artist on the bluegrass and Appalachian-tinged collection. There's a crisp warmth to the album that pairs nicely with White's crystalline vocals and songs about longing and leaving. Songs like "Just Like Leaving" feel as though she's on the cusp of teardrops as she attempts to rationalize the situation. She leaves you just as gutted on songs like the aching "The Hand of Your Raising," the warbling redemption of "Now She Knows What it Feels Like," or on the double-fiddled and yearning "Just Unwanted."

On this one, we talk about White's Canadian roots, recording & writing Just Like Leaving, various writing techniques, moving to Boston and Nashville, the distinctions between bluegrass and old-time and country and western, and much more.

This episode's presenting partner is Desert Door Texas Sotol. In addition, this episode is sponsored by The Blue Light Live and Hot Damn Coffee.

Interview Transcript

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