Like everyone, in the past few years, Liz Brasher has experienced the full gamut of emotions in her personal and professional life. Having settled in Memphis in 2019, the singer-songwriter was comfortable in a community that was far removed from the traditional music business. Surrounded by like-minded creatives, she was able to thrive in that community, but never flourish on a larger level, which made her feel that her career had stagnated. Add to that a relationship that was on the fritz, and battling physical ailments (including losing her voice) Brasher knew things had to change.

In 2019, Brasher released her tough-as-nails debut, Painted Image. It cemented Brasher as an artist who wasn’t afraid to draw upon her experiences in order to paint a raw and authentic portrait of who she strives to be as an artist and person. Her background singing gospel hymns in a Spanish-speaking church provided the foundation, as well as her background as a Southern-bred woman with Dominican and Italian blood. Painted Image was the spark, but her sophomore effort, Baby Damn, sees her flourish and her growth pronounced.

After signing with Blue Élan Records, Brasher — armed with her arsenal of demos that included ready-made harmonies, bass, drums, guitar, piano — headed into the studio to bring the songs she recorded alone to life. She hunkered down at the legendary Sunset Sound studio with famed producer Joe Chiccarelli and an all-star group of musicians, including Matt Chamberlain (drums), Sean Hurley (bass), Roger Manning (keys) and David Levita (guitar). My Morning Jacket’s Carl Broemel (pedal steel), Bones UK’s Carmen Vandenberg (guitar) and Oliver Kraus (cello) were enlisted during the overdubbing process. Brasher harnessed the angst she felt in Memphis and subsequent rebirth in Southern California to create a body of work that is intimately bold.

Songs like the Western twang-filled “Room to Ride,” and the wistful longing of the ‘80s-infused “Be in California,” have the bright sonic disposition that reflect her new West Coast roots. The songs were conceived when she was in Memphis, but Brasher was able to will them into becoming her reality. The emotional intensity of “Room to Ride,” however, serves as the album’s heart and soul.

“It’s about leaving someone you love, but knowing they’re where you really belong,” Brasher says of the stunning soon-to-be single. “A feeling of never truly being home, but knowing you will be there one day.”

Brasher oozes confidence, with the words pouring out of her soul in her sultry voice, powered by lyrics that reinforce the urgency to accept life’s positive new circumstances. Its vibe? Distinctly California, but don’t let that soundscape fool you. Its lyrics reflect the notion of survival and to let go and enjoy yourself.

And of the powerful title track, Brasher says, “It set the tone for the rest of what would come. Lyrics about being just enough, loyalty, a future reconciliation, all easily fell into place with this one. It’s a song about the acceptance of things if they don’t work out the way I had intended them to. It’s being at peace with giving up control that I never really had to begin with.”

But getting to this point wasn’t easy.

After seeking treatment for her vocal issues in Memphis, Brasher ended up finding a doctor in Orange County. Through that doctor, she discovered that in addition to her vocal troubles, she had an autoimmune disease. She realized something was wrong and did everything to ensure that she’d not only get better and thrive, but educated herself to the point where she can live a normal life.

Around the same time, Brasher’s marriage ended. She found love and became healthy, and after months of traveling back-and-forth, left Memphis behind for good in 2022. Most importantly, Brasher decided she needed to take her career into her own hands. She started making decisions for herself, which was reflected in her music.

Following her relocation to Orange County, Brasher’s outlook brightened. But more importantly, she was finally at ease. Her self-discovery challenged her as an artist. Revealing to her that she didn’t have to be a people-pleaser anymore and could triple down on making music that reflects who she is.

Trips to the desert became frequent. The dusty vibe and music that emanated from it resonated stronger than before. It opened her up to new creative avenues that ended up being channeled in her songwriting. Continuing her practice of writing a song a day, the open western terrain served as the inspiration for new material.

Baby Damn is an album that represents who Liz Brasher is right now — a strong, confident artist who is unafraid of what the future has in store. It also serves as a trusted travel companion, showing its creator’s passion for new adventures and a reinvigorated spirit.

Liz Brasher