Sophie Gault, a Nashville-based singer, songwriter, and guitarist, announces her return with a poignant new album Baltic Street Hotel, slated for release on April 12, 2024, through Petaluma Records. This 11-track collection is a product of collaboration with Grammy Award-winning producer Ray Kennedy, known for his work with Steve Earle, Lucinda Williams, and Patty Griffin.
The album, an exploration of Gault’s personal experiences with bipolar disorder, features the lead single “Christmas In The Psych Ward,” a song that vividly captures her time in psychiatric care before embarking on her music career.
“Christmas In The Psych Ward” is a deeply personal and reflective piece, with Gault’s experience in a mental hospital being its central theme. The song confronts the common misconceptions surrounding bipolar disorder and mental health, emphasizing the isolation and doubt that often accompany these challenges. Gault’s insights into these experiences aim to foster a more open conversation around mental health, making it feel less isolating for those who struggle.
Gault’s remarkable journey from her hospital stay to her musical success is showcased throughout the album. The title Baltic Street Hotel is inspired by her reflections on this journey, symbolizing a sense of accomplishment and a personal homecoming.
The album features Gault’s unique blend of shrewd lyricism, impressive guitar work, and strong vocals, creating an earnest rock-forward sound. It follows her 2022 debut Delusions Of Grandeur, released under the moniker Sophie & the Broken Things.
Gault’s partnership with Ray Kennedy has been a significant influence on her musical development. Kennedy, who has worked on iconic albums like Lucinda Williams’s Car Wheels and Steve Earle’s Transcendental Blues, has pushed Gault to delve deeper into her songwriting. This mentorship has been instrumental in crafting the heartfelt and introspective tracks featured on Baltic Street Hotel.
As Gault embarks on her East Coast tour to promote her new album, she reflects on the significance of her journey and the transformative power of music in her life. Baltic Street Hotel stands as a testament to her resilience and talent, promising to resonate deeply with listeners who appreciate sincere storytelling and captivating melodies.
Listen to “Christmas In The Psych Ward” below.
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