Eliza Lynn rising

If you follow the local singer/songwriter scene, chances are that you’ve heard of Eliza Lynn. The Warren Wilson College grad has been performing her original works in the area since 2000, but didn’t gain much notice until the release of her 2005 debut album Frisky or Fair. Songs from the bluesy-folk CD found a receptive audience thanks to regular rotation on WNCW, eventually landing in the station’s Top Ten regional albums of 2006. Xpress readers also had Lynn on their radars, voting her “Best Singer/Songwriter” over the likes of established local favorites Tyler Ramsey and Christine Kane.
Now a few months from the release of a still-unnamed sophomore CD, Lynn has recieved an even bigger honor than local notability. A track from her debut album was picked for inclusion on the compilation CD Americana, slated for release in July by world music starmakers Putumayo World Music. More than just an honor, the inclusion will introduce Lynn’s music to as many as 20,000 listeners in as many as 60 countries across the globe.
Xpress interviewed Lynn via email earlier this week.

Mountain Xpress: Tell me a little about the song that Putumayo picked for their Americana compilation.
Eliza Lynn: The song is from Frisky or Fair, and it’s called “Sing a New Song.” It’s about being who you are where you are, amidst feelings of uncertainty. It is a song of comfort to me.

Xpress: Even though the theme of the album is pretty clear from the title, it’s worth noting that many roots-based songwriters take issue with labels like “folk” or “Americana.” Do you feel that the song is in the Americana vein?
Lynn: This is an interesting question. I have been trying to figure out exactly what the term Americana means as a genre of music. I’m starting to think Americana is “ish” music—blues-ish, country-ish, jazz-ish, old-time-ish, gospel-ish—and that it’s a mix of American roots music. So, by that definition, “Sing a New Song” fits as it is a jazz-ish/blues-ish song sung by a white girl who likes honky-tonk music. Plus, if Putumayo says it’s Americana, I’ll go with that!

Xpress: How did you first get in touch with Putumayo? Did they contact you, or did you seek them out?
Lynn: I work for a local online CD distributing company called bandVillage that gets CDs out in front of folks at events like festivals and music conferences. Peter Fleming of bandVillage sold Putumayo a handful of CDs at the Folk Alliance this February, and mine was one of them.

Xpress: It must be very rewarding for you to have a song picked up by such a prestigious label. What are some of your favorite Putumayo releases?
Lynn: It is such an honor! I have a ton of favorites—Putumayo is my favorite label. I have been introduced to many artists through their compilations. Here are my favorites: Habib Koite; Oliver Mtukudzi; Mali; Mali to Memphis; Acoustic Africa; Acoustic Women of the World; Shelter (the first Putumayo CD I ever bought in 1994, has local singers Dana Robinson and David Wilcox!); French-Caribbean.

Xpress: What details do you have about the Putumayo release? Are there any other artists on the album that you are honored to be included with?
Lynn: It is scheduled for release on Tuesday, July 3. I am so thrilled to be included with an unbelievable group of musicians: The Little Willies (Norah Jones’ band), Robert Earl Keen, Old Crow Medicine Show, Robinella, Ruthie Foster, Tim O’Brien, Carrie Rodriguez, Terri Hendrix,  Josh Ritter, Mulehead, Alison Brown—I think that’s everyone.

Xpress: You have a new album coming out later this year; What can you tell us about it?
Lynn: Our new CD is just getting in the final mixing process, and will be released this fall around late September. I’m still working on the exact date. We’ve been working with Danny Kadar at Echo Mountain Studio here in town. It’s been an awesome experience, and one with many points for learning. I think I love making records—it’s so fun and fulfilling. On this CD, Mike Alexander, myself and Danny serve as co-producers. The CD will cost $15 and most likely have 12 songs (one of the songs got kicked off, but seems to be making a comeback!)  Name of the CD is yet to be determined.

Xpress: It’s seems likely that the Putumayo release will raise your profile as a performer. Have they invited you to any showcases or put you in contact with anyone who might help your new album get the album a bigger release?
Lynn: My trio and I are going to NYC next week to play at a Putumayo event. I’ve been in contact with lots of folks there in the publicity and marketing departments. It seems like they are all very helpful, but I’m not sure yet how much I’ll get to work with them.

Xpress: You’ve had something of a meteoric rise in the local/regional folk scene. Did you ever expect to be having this level of success so quickly?
Lynn: Tricky question. I am constantly aware of how my community is making my musical career a reality. I am humbled and so deeply grateful for support of my music. My friends and family and fans are the financial supporters of my music through pre-order sales. The readers of the Mountain Xpress who voted me Best Local Singer-Songwriter gave me huge shock and my little career a serious shot in the arm. All the folks at WNCW—especially Kim Clark—who’ve played my music have really, really helped. I’ve also been a beneficiary of a grant through the Arts Council and a member of Mountain Biz Works—whose classes, network of professionals, financial resources through loans, and coaches have really helped me bring my dream into focus and into being.  All that to say, I am so thankful for the blessings of support and recognition I’ve received so far.  It’s so deeply appreciated.

Xpress: When and where is your next local show?
Lynn: My band and I will be playing at Bele Chere on the Battery Park Stage on Friday, July 27, at 4 p.m.