Jess Nolan - '93 (album)

Nashville-based singer-songwriter Jess Nolan has released her new LP '93 via Righteous Babe Records.  The seeds of ’93 sprouted in the height of 2020. In the midst of the initial involuntary stillness, she planted a backyard vegetable garden, moved her involvement in mentoring young female songwriters online, and traveled back to her New Jersey hometown to stay with family for weeks at a time. In the face of uncertainty, strong, deeply-rooted feelings came pouring out, resulting in 10 poignant reflections on rebirth, reconnection, and mindfulness.  

 I love Jess’s voice, her melodies, they lift me. Bet you can’t listen to this record just once. So happy to welcome her into the Righteous Babe family. –Ani

In a world of overdubs and click tracks, Nolan and her co-producers, Will Honaker and Ross McReynolds, pursued a much more collaborative, organic approach. The atmosphere of the album came from an open and spiritually full place. “Writing this album was a declaration that I will not give up on myself. Only from that place can I fully show up for those around me. I have so much gratitude for this process of making songs and sharing them. It mimics the natural cycle of things… life, death, life,” she says. “I see this record as a true reimagining of myself musically and personally. My hope is that it can provide love and comfort to those who need it.” 

Nolan, who has drawn comparisons to artists like Lucy Dacus and Joni Mitchell, set an intention for listeners to feel grounded from the album’s first moment - ‘93 is meant to be a meditation, bringing a sense of rootedness in its execution. “The process of recording this was relaxed,” Nolan recalls. “It’s the safest I’ve ever felt while creating something.” 

Nolan is an old soul and a skilled creator who continuously channels a palate of creative endeavors. A member of Jenny Lewis’ all-female touring band, she is an in-demand collaborator, lending her writing, vocal, and instrumentalist talents to projects by artists like Joy Oladokun, Katie Pruitt, Lydia Luce, and more.