Tulsa-based songwriter Sierra Spirit has been teasing her debut EP coin toss since February, when we unveiled the project’s first single, “ghost,” and invited her to perform the track with collaborator Aaron Taos for a “Neighborhoods” session shortly afterward. Since then, the Otoe-Missouria/Keetoowah Cherokee musician has secured a label (Giant Music) and a release date for the project (October 10), with several more singles trickling out in the interim.
Although clocking in at just six tracks, the EP manages to address everything from “wasting time in a relationship you aren’t valued in” to “the developed god complex of an addict” to paying homage to Spirit’s grandmother—all of which is woven together into a singular tapestry inspired by the work of a handful of the songwriter’s favorite artists. Ahead of the project’s release this Thursday, we asked Spirit to take us a little deeper into some of those influences, which include the boygenius contingent, Burn Your Fire–era Angel Olsen, Kacey Musgraves, and more. She even slips in another nod to her grandmother by kicking off the proceedings with the track that served as her ringtone.
Check out the full playlist below, and pre-save the EP here. Additionally, Spirit will be playing a hometown release show in Tulsa on October 10, followed by a set in LA the following week. You can find tickets for both nights at the pre-save link.
Don Williams, “Lord, I Hope This Day Is Good”
This was a favorite of my grandmother’s—for whom I wrote “i’ll be waiting (pug).” It was her ringtone for years, and it created this sort of Pavlovian response that just always makes me think of being with her everytime I hear this song play.
Phoebe Bridgers, “Waiting Room”
I remember hearing this song for the first time in 2018 and thinking, “This is the feeling I want people to feel when they hear my music.” I feel every word, and it made me realize that what you’re saying is just as important as how you say it. It should make you feel almost overwhelmingly known. I hope my EP conveys that.
Bon Iver, “Re:stacks”
As much as I like his solo project, Justin Vernon is a huge inspiration of mine when it comes to his producing. He’s had a hand in so many of the most iconic songs of my generation, and I truly admire the way he understands music. He doesn’t define himself with a genre—he just makes music he believes in. I always think of his work and this song specifically when I feel like I'm not pushing myself hard enough, and it helped me create this record.
Carlie Hanson, “608”
I was introduced to this song by my partner and just loved the fully immersive sound. I tried to make sure I added in some of that soundscaping, because it’s just so all-encompassing. I’m such a fan of how her voice shines through in contrast with the dramatic and full sound.
Ethel Cain, “American Teenager”
[Preacher’s Daughter] is one of the most incredible examples of a story-driven album I’ve ever heard. It felt like it was all a part of something so much larger—not just a tracklist, but a storyline.
Kacey Musgraves, “Happy and Sad”
As I was writing this EP and trying to find my sound, this album and this song specifically came to mind. I love how Kacey treads this line between country and indie and uses this beautiful descriptive imagery.
boygenius, “Voyager”
This is an absolute favorite for me, lyrically. It's beautiful, honest, and painful in the best way. I draw a huge amount of inspiration from each of the members of boygenius, and hearing pieces of each of them in this track is such a testament to the beauty of collaboration in music. It’s a reminder to write honestly—do that and you’ll always love what you write.
Angel Olsen, “Unfucktheworld”
I love the simplicity of this track and how it packs such a punch with just an acoustic guitar and shining vocals. It was a huge inspiration to me when making this EP when writing and asking myself, “If I recorded this with just guitar and me [singing], would it still be beautiful and impactful?” If the answer is yes, then I feel good about moving forward with it.
Julien Baker, “Sprained Ankle”
Julien Baker is one of my favorite lyricists of all time. She writes about the hard things that I was almost afraid to touch, but seeing how much comfort she brought me with saying the hard things I realized that if I write honestly it might really mean something to someone listening.
Daughter, “Candles”
The dreamy, plucky guitar in this track is mesmerizing. I love the eerie and trailing sound, and it’s a refreshing take on the “algorithm” of structuring a song. I feel like I'm being told a story, and it reminded me of why I enjoy writing that way.
