Liz Durrett’s voice sounds like smoke looks.
On her third LP, “Outside Our Gates,” those pipes are framed by equally moody production, courtesy of Eric Bachmann (Archers of Loaf, Azure Ray). The song “All of Them All” crackles with a primitive rhythm track.
“That loop transformed the song in a lot of ways,” says Durrett, 32. “I know it involved a ChapStick tube and an electric guitar, but that’s all I can tell you. Anymore would give away the secret.”
“Outside Our Gates” also contains naked-soul folk (“Not Running”), stoned cabaret (“In the Eaves”) and piano ringlets (“Lost Hiker”). “Wild as Them” gives the album a jolt of Lou Reed strut. The casual listener will probably miss the tune’s mournful theme. “It’s about my cat, which got eaten by a coyote,” says Durrett, who is based in Athens. “If I’d written a sad song, then I’d never been able to play it. Now it’s one of the more uplifting songs on the record.”
“Outside Our Gates” sounds like a good make-out record. What do you think are the best all-time records for that? You think “Outside Our Gates” is a make-out record? I like that idea. Man, I don’t know; I haven’t made-out with anybody in so long, I can’t remember. (Laughs.)
You’ve toured Europe a bit. What do you like about playing shows over there? They treat musicians really well. They give you a place to stay, and you get guarantees, and home cooked meals. You’re in some beautiful bed-and-breakfast on the Italian countryside…instead of here, where you’re sleeping on somebody’s concrete floor. Or in the van.
Your uncle, songwriter Vic Chesnutt, produced your first two records. What have you learned most about music from him? Stay true to your vision. As an artist the most important thing you have is your singularity.
Why did you shelve your first album, “Husk,” nine years before releasing it in 2005? I was having panic attacks constantly onstage, and wasn’t able to perform to back up the record, so I sat on it. I went about my life, moved to California, worked various jobs and tried to forget about playing music. Eventually I was able to get myself together and start performing again.
How did you get over that anxiety? Time. Growing up had a lot to do with it. Now, the more I perform the easier it gets.
Liz Durrett plays The Showrrom in Spartanburg with Anais Mitchell and The Bowmans at 8:30 p.m. May 29. Tickets are $10 in advance or $12 at the door.
For more on Durrett, go to www.lizdurrett.com.
