Julien Baker and TORRES Collaborate on Country Music Project
It’s no secret that both Julien Baker and Mackenzie Scott, known as TORRES, share a deep-rooted love for country music. When the two acclaimed songwriters met backstage in Chicago eight years ago, their conversation naturally gravitated towards their mutual fondness for the genre. However, it wasn’t until a few years later that Scott playfully proposed the idea of collaborating on a country record, inspired by the legendary Willie Nelson and Waylon Jennings. The initial suggestion was met with trepidation, with Scott voicing her fear of rejection and disguising her proposition as a light-hearted joke. Nevertheless, Baker responded enthusiastically, promising to deliver some demos for the project.
This light-hearted exchange paved the way for the creation of “Send a Prayer My Way,” the debut album crafted by the duo. The album kicks off with the haunting “Dirt,” a poignant ballad that sets the stage for a remarkable musical journey. As two of the most emotive singer-songwriters of their generation, Baker and Scott bring a wealth of experience and raw emotional power to their collaboration. Baker, renowned for her solo work and contributions to the Grammy-winning group boygenius, pairs seamlessly with Scott, who blends elements of rock, folk, and electronica into her distinctive sound.
The connection between Baker and Scott runs deeper than their shared affinity for country music. Both artists originate from the South, with Baker hailing from Memphis and Scott from Macon, Georgia. Raised in devoutly religious households, they both grappled with their identities and navigated their LGBTQ status amidst conservative environments. These common experiences laid the foundation for their creative synergy, infusing their music with authenticity and vulnerability.
“Send a Prayer My Way” delves into themes of addiction, heartbreak, and resilience, mirroring the personal struggles of the artists themselves. Baker’s soulful vocals on “Dirt” resonate with her battle against substance abuse, while Scott’s haunting melody on “Bottom of a Bottle” captures the loneliness and solace found in a dimly lit bar. In “Tuesday,” Scott reflects on a failed romance soured by parental disapproval, a sentiment she struggled to encapsulate until the collaboration with Baker brought clarity to her emotions.
Despite limited face-to-face interactions prior to recording in Marfa, Texas, Baker and Scott forged a profound connection that translated seamlessly into their music. Supported by Baker’s intricate string arrangements and Scott’s introspective lyrics, the album unfolds with warmth and authenticity. From late-night tweaks to emotive vocalizations, the artists poured their hearts into crafting an album that avoids sentimentality and embraces sincerity.
For Baker and Scott, “Send a Prayer My Way” represents a bold step towards vulnerability and openness, breaking down barriers and embracing their shared experiences. Their two-week recording sessions, accompanied by follow-up work in Brooklyn, yielded an album defined by its honesty and emotional depth. As they shared stories and dug into their pasts, their conservative upbringings and personal struggles became the cornerstone of their musical collaboration.Attention to every lyrical detail and musical nuance shaped the album into a cohesive narrative, a testament to the power of authentic storytelling in country music.