After taking a good long break from releasing new material, Nikki Lane is back in the saddle. The singer-songstress has gifted the world with the release of her new, bold, family-inspired album, Denin & Diamonds.
On a social media update, Lane confessed her struggles with finding inspiration to continue writing and states that her family stories played a big role in the making of this record:
”…this record is about revisiting the past – taking note of how it got you to the present – and then blowing it a kiss as you barrel towards whatever the future holds.”
The album is filled with songs inspired by Lane’s hometown and family and was released at a potent time for the singer-songwriter – days after the passing of her grandfather.
“Yesterday, my family laid my grandad to rest in South Carolina – with a bottle of Coca-Cola in his hand – in the tiny town that ‘First High’ is about.
The same family that inspired the lyrics for ‘Born Tough,’ and ‘Pass It Down’ – and also the pain of a song like ‘Faded.’
The same family who raised a small town girl to feel like she could do anything, and you can’t say shit.”
Denim & Diamonds comes after a much-needed break for Lane. The talented musician, road-warrior, and entrepreneur has been keeping herself busy since the release of her third album, 2017’s Highway Queen.
Her schedule included multiple tours, collaborating with Lana Del Rey, and running her own vintage clothing business.
Lane expresses gratitude towards her label New West Records, her management, and Josh Homme – the frontman for Queens of the Stone Age – who, thankfully for us all, helped her see that she had a lot to share with the world. She says that working with Homme was a great experience and that he really helped bring the songs to life. Regarding Homme Lane said:
“Thank you, Josh Homme, for being the truest representation of rock and roll, and for inviting me into your orbit.”
The studio band consisted of Queens of the Stone Age collaborators, guitarist Alain Johanna, organist Dean Fertita, and bassist Michael Shuman.
Lane’s continued:
“The band was all aces, and the thoughtful way Josh nudged me to step to the front of the pack – it lit a fire in me that had dwindled to a flicker, and I remembered the reason I love making music.”
Certain lyrics from the title track ‘Denim & Diamonds’, feel like the breakthrough that led her to keep creating:
“I started counting up all my little problems
And the doors that I should probably close
Well it turns out things aren’t exactly what they seem
So I might as well say what I mean
Well here we go
I can do whatever I wanna
All by my lonesome
If that’s a problem well you can’t say shit
Cause I’m going my way…”
Here’s a few early favorites:
Faded
Good Enough
Pass It Down
