INTERVIEW: Lindsay Everly Transcends Her Ordinary World
In our interview, Lindsay Everly explains how she transcends the ordinary – whether that's moving beyond the limitations of genre, or taking an expansive view of life.
Lindsay Everly brings a piece of Northern California with her on her upcoming album Fool's Gold (out November 13.) Her latest song, "Rainbow of the Night," is a dreamy escape from our everyday cares. As Everly explains below, she's always searching to transcend the ordinary – whether that's moving beyond the limitations of genre, or taking an expansive view of life.
Who are some of your musical influences?
I’d say probably one of my most influential bands is Alison Krauss and Union Station. I had this housemate in college who one day walked up to me and handed me one of their CDs. She said to me, "I think you’re gonna like this music." I thought it was really random and kind of strange. But she couldn’t have been more right! I listened to it and I loved it instantly! I really found a part of myself in that music. She also invited me to a few Bluegrass jams and it was amazing. I’ve had a lot of different musical influences however. Oumou Sangare was one of my favorite singers for quite a while, I listened to a lot of Cessaria Evora as well. One of favorite modern singers at the moment is Sierra Ferrell.
Name a perfect song and tell us why you feel that way.
Probably one of my favorite songs of all time is “ordinary world” by Duran Duran. Probably because I’ve listened to it in so many different versions of my life. Which is very reflective in the lyrics. Something about it echoes through time. Life can be so difficult sometimes. I wasn’t born into a rich family so I’ve had to figure out how to live the life I want, as a musician, and be able to buy food. It reminds me that a lot of people struggle in the different seasons of their life. I’m also trying to not live an ordinary life in an ordinary world!
Does your album have an overarching theme?
The common thread running throughout Fool's Gold is trusting your intuition to guide you. Whether at a rippin' honky tonk party, packing up and leaving home, questioning society, or looking for love, Fool's Gold is meant to uplift, strengthen and encourage the listener to blaze their own path.
The title track, "Fool's Gold," is an energetic and fierce disco-beat anthem told with mysterious electric guitar riffs and fiery vocals. The second single, "Rainbow of the Night," is a celestial and psychedelic journey through outer space, sliding down star trails and asking Aphrodite for her wisdom, while wondering who will truly be there for you when times get tough. Some songs on the album are told through a classic-country female lens, while others blur genre lines with rock-inspired B3 Hammond Organ. Humor, defiance, hope and the search for what's genuine is the fuel the storytelling, while one idea ties it all together: what glitters isn't always gold.
How do you kill the long hours in the van?
I actually really like listening to This American Life! I love the random stories. But I also get into a lot of self-help videos on YouTube, sometimes I’ll dig into top 40 hits and check out what’s happening, sometimes I’ll listen to my Dueling Pianos playlist because I also do that gig as well, sometimes I’ll listen to Bluegrass because I love going to Bluegrass jams, and then I often check in with the pulse of Americana. All over the place! I also tend to call my parents 😂
Do you try to make the most of being in a city, or do you prefer to just rest up?
Well, that depends on the city! Usually when I go to San Francisco, I don’t really see anything because I’ve seen the city a million times! But if it’s a brand new city and I’ve never been there, I make a very intentional effort to see new things and do some research! Of course, if I’m going for a gig, then it depends on how much time I have. I like going to check out nature, quirky restaurants with good drinks and anything that seems a little odd.
Fool's Gold will be out November 13
