See Lilly Hiatt Take a Nashville Joyride in New ‘Trinity Lane’ Video
Lilly Hiatt gets personal in Trinity Lane, an autobiographical album written during a period of self-reflection and renewal in her East Nashville apartment.
The daughter of John Hiatt, she keeps the family tradition alive, mixing Southern influences – Americana, folk and left-of-center country – with a raw approach that’s better suited to the garage than the saloon. The album’s title track is no exception. Written after a West Coast tour alongside John Moreland, the song finds Hiatt making peace with her old demons, while guitars crash and pianos chime in the background.
“I quit drinking when I was 27, and I felt so lonely for awhile,” she explains. “I didn’t really want to drink, but I’ve had all these coping mechanisms in the past, where instead of feeling my actual feelings, I’ve distracted myself with self-destructive activity. I don’t do that now. I’ve just been really healthy. For the first time in a really long time, I’ve found myself thinking, ‘Man, what would it be like if I drank now?’ Then I go through that thought process fully, and I realize what’s on the other end, and I accept that I’m feeling pretty damn good on my own. Finally!”
Produced by Shovels & Rope’s Michael Trent, “Trinity Lane” is an empowerment anthem stocked with details from Hiatt’s everyday life, from the name of her street to the smell of her neighbor’s cooking. The song’s video follows suit, offering a four-minute look into Hiatt’s home life. Released today, the clip finds Hiatt waking up, drinking coffee and eventually hitting the streets for a quick joyride. Along the way, we’re given glimpses of the music, friends and pets that fill her days. Her cat, Popsicle, makes more than a few appearances, as do records and cassette tapes by some of favorite artists, including Pearl Jam, Aaron Lee Tasjan and Little Feat.
“When I watched the video for the first time, it made me notice how many things I have from my dear friends,” she says. “They’re good luck charms. There’s a John Moreland record in that video. There’s a vase my boyfriend gave me. There’s gem stones I had on the road when I was on tour. And when I’m in the car, the station I’m tuning in to is WXNA.”
Trinity Lane arrives August 25th, marking Hiatt’s first official release with New West Records. Although written in isolation, much of the album – particularly the title track, with its punky punch and breezy bounce – is built for the outdoors.
“By the time the guitar solo happens,” Hiatt insists, “I wanna be going over 50 miles per hour at least.”