Laura Jean Anderson’s latest song was conceived on the road.
“On My Mind” is a previously unreleased tune from the singer-songwriter’s debut EP, Lonesome No More, released last fall on B3SCI Records. Now, it finally sees the light of day after a long and perilous journey that began with some notes taken on Anderson’s leg.
“This song was written while I was driving from Arizona to Los Angeles. I was alone and with my dog at the time, after a string of bad shows,” the singer revealed via email. “I was inspired by a new love that I had just dropped off at the airport, and the melody and words came rushing into my head while driving on the 10 freeway. I didn’t have any paper and was also driving, so I would write down lyrics on my thigh to remember.”
Determined to debut the song that same evening at a show in Los Angeles (which she did), Anderson explained that it took myriad twists and turns before coming home to roost in the version shared below.
“I tried to produce it and put the band on, molding it into many genres and styles and it just never fit. Finally, I just decided to record it stripped down, as I heard it while driving in my car—exactly like the first time I played it,” Anderson admitted. “Tyler Chester, singers J. Blynn and Pete Harper and I all went into an analog studio and cut it live, no headphones, in the room. No edits, all to tape. This is the second take. Exactly how the song was intended in my head.”
“On My Mind” captures an aching sense of hope and longing in the lilting vocal melodies that intertwine beautifully with plaintive acoustic guitars. Listen to it below.
Fresh from a high-profile showcase at SXSW, Anderson is in the midst of a string of West Coast dates that kicked off in her hometown of Olympia, WA, on March 28. See the full tour itinerary below. Tickets available here.
Mar 28 —Olympia, WA @ Octapas Cafe
Mar 29—Bellingham, WA @ Wild Buffalo *
Mar 30—Vancouver, BC @ Wise Hall & Lounge *
Mar 31—Bend, OR @ Volcanic Theatre Pub *
Apr 3—San Francisco, CA @ The Chapel *
Apr 4—Los Angeles, CA @ Moroccan Lounge *
Apr 5—San Diego, CA @ Soda Bar *
May 2—Santa Barbara, CA @ Velvet Jones ^
May 4 —San Diego, CA @ Casbah ^
* w/ The Dip
^ w/ Lauren Ruth Ward
