“I’d rather build my home than be made by one.” – Kathryn Legendre, ‘Build My Home’
Kathryn Legendre knows who she is, and she’s not afraid to be just that: herself. The Helotes, Texas native – now living in Austin – first came to my attention with her 2013 album ‘Old Soul’, and I was struck by her staunch musical traditionalism and storytelling sensibilities. On February 26, she will release her new EP ‘Don’t Give A Damn’, a four-track offering that heralds the same values as established previously, set against a lush instrumental backing that brings roots to the forefront.
‘Don’t Give A Damn’ is as much of a brief update, a snippet of where Kathryn is right now, as it is a mission statement for how she lives her life and approaches her music. The title was inspired in part by the inclusion of ‘Burn One Down’, a fun honky-tonkin’ number about the pros of recreational marijuana use. This is about as silly and unsubstantial as Kathryn gets, which is telling given that she still makes a valid social point as she celebrates cutting back and letting loose. “I understand your point of view, I won’t judge your beliefs, but you can always sit right here and burn one down with me,” she sings on the track, reminding others to be kinder to those who share differing values.
With songwriting that’s always smart and often heartfelt, she found inspiration in Lucinda Williams’ ‘Happy Woman Blues’ when it came to penning the EP’s opener ‘Build My Home’. Reflecting many of her own life experiences, the song explores growing up, leaving your hometown and exploring the world, and how your decision to make your life elsewhere takes nothing away from your hometown pride. It’s a simple and common theme, but Kathryn spins it really well, peppering the track with Kacey Musgraves-worthy turns of phrase such as the eloquent, “I’d rather build my home than be made by one.” Kathryn’s independence and determination to find herself rather than be influenced by others is something she shares with Ms. Musgraves, and it’s an attitude more artists should adopt at a time when trends are chased over and over.
Kathryn’s day job is in graphic design, so she understands the struggle and pull of having two jobs, or two passions, in life. ‘Time Is A Selfish Man’ is a moody, rocky ode to that elusive concept we all live by, attempting to balance work, family and hobbies. It’s about as modern and edgy-sounding as she gets on this record, but the twang of the fiddle and the ringing of the slide keeps it grounded in the roots she’s so at home within.
‘Tug River Valley’, meanwhile, is the only song here not technically inspired by Kathryn’s own experiences. It’s a tribute to the home of photographer Roger May, who reportedly cried when he heard the tune. It’s a lovely little number, incorporating fiddle, acoustic guitar, dobro and tasteful country-tinged electric guitar into a sea of warm, familiar twang – something akin to mama’s home-made brownies, the joy around a campfire, or sunlight on the porch.
Kathryn Legendre is a great vocalist and songwriter who has a strong sense of identity, and that comes through in her music. She’s one of Austin’s finest, and if you were previously unfamiliar with her, this EP is guaranteed to whet your appetite for more.
It’s due for release on Friday, February 26, and you can pre-order it . She’s also hosting an EP release show at The White Horse in Austin the same day, so be sure to check that out if you’re in the area.
Originally posted here.
