"Marian Runk takes a cautiously optimistic approach with her meditative video 'New Year.' The song tumbles off of Runk's tongue like a minuet, an almost stream-of-consciousness account of a small moment that ends up revealing a large impact." 

- Rachel Cholst

“Stay Put is both a follow-up to Wanderlust and a sequel to Music is Medicine,” Dawson explains. “It takes me back to my roots as an acoustic player and collaborator and showcases the ensemble that made Music is Medicine a success, with the seasoned experience that came with all the electric experimentation that we did with Wanderlust. Peter Oviatt is one of the best producers working in our scene today, and his embellishments, whether it’s his signature banjo or exploration with polyphonic synths, are so tasty and original. Kelby on bass is like a security blanket, and Melissa’s vocals are always the perfect accompaniment to mine. I’m proud of this work and my team.”

From the opening reimagining of Pete Seeger’s “Where Have All The Flowers Gone” as an Indigenous chant, Elexa stimulates the memory of civil rights issues of the ‘60s and reflects their relevance to present-day conflict. The title track, “Stay Put” is a songwriter’s song, a confession of a restless poet who leaves the comfort of indulgent love to chase inspiration. “Man Mountain” and “Cove” were written about and by, respectively, a mentor and a man who knows the value of a place that holds you close. In “Roots Grow”, a story about the way trees can teach us to live edifies the listener with an assurance of resilience in the face of adversity. “Baling Hay” is a tribute to Elexa’s Grandpa, a humble, hardworking soul whose tractor-greasy grace lives on in memory and song. Finally, “The Riddle Song” documents Elexa’s inherited rendition of a traditional Appalachian tune sung to her from the morning she was born by her Nana, who dubbed her an alto that day, and continues to support her from the other side of the soil.

Stay Put proves a deeply rooted and timely work sprouting from the grounding element of earth. With this viscerally personal release, Dawson anchors her message in the soil of memory, tradition, and identity. Building on her two preceding albums, Elexa continues to amplify the ancestors, infusing her voice with the grit of Oklahoma red dirt and wind-washed Kansas prairie. These are homesick songs, not just in the geographic sense, but in the spiritual and emotional sense of belonging in a world where we’re more detached from our nourishing roots every day. Stay Put is a call to remember and celebrate those roots. Elexa pays tribute to the places that raised her, the familial ties that shaped her story, and the Indigenous traditions that inform her sense of purpose and place in the world. Stay Put will make itself comfortable in the heart of anyone who has ever felt the gravity of home, the ache for grounding, and the power of not forgetting where you come from.

I play a sort of fingerpicked, classically-influenced style of guitar and write songs. I started out solo, moved to a second record that encompassed a few more musicians, and this is sort of my first "full band" thing. There's many influences - from musical-ish melody lines, free improvisation, and an overall ambient vibe.

I was sort of discouraged at the lack of label/press/management/radio/any response toward the record before and after release, despite so much reaching out. I'd really appreciate it if you gave it a listen and let me know what you think!

Ben

https://nobody-from-nowhere.bandcamp.com/album/nobody-from-nowhere

Cheers, M.

Song Title: Free
Artist: Essence & Gold Country
Label: Blue Élan Records
Released: June 20, 2025
Listen / Download WAV, MP3, Clean Radio Edit + Metadata
Watch the Official Video
 RIYL: Brandi Carlile, Margo Price, Sheryl Crow, Patty Griffin, Lucinda Williams

“Free” is an anthem of liberation and self-respect—a song for anyone who’s ever had to claw their way out of a relationship that dimmed their light. It’s raw and triumphant, feminine and fierce, blending the storytelling heart of classic Americana with the emotion and musicianship of original folk music. 

Co-written by Essence Goldman with Merkley, Rachel Hoiem, and Roman Weingartner, “Free” pulses with a full band, is rich with personality of leading lady Essence Goldman and has some depth with the universal message: You don’t have to shrink to survive. You don’t have to sacrifice your joy to stay in someone else’s version of your life. Essence sings this truth loud, proud, and barefoot—to dance is to heal. 

This is the first single from her upcoming album Father’s Daughter, produced by David Simon-Baker (Jackie Greene, ALO). Essence’s past work was featured on NPR’s Tiny Desk Concert, and she’s currently a producer on the upcoming feature film about her journey with Bernie and the Believers—in partnership with John Legend and Paramount.

Please consider “Free”  WAV & MP3 < | June Press Release | Spotify | YouTube | Instagram

Thanks for supporting women in Americana and independent music. Essence is available for interviews in person (Bay Area) and virtually. Upcoming tour dates include select venues in the SF Bay Area, Pacific Northwest (WA, OR), Nashville and more TBA.

Let's connect on NEW MUSIC!
~~Erica

Erica Glenn |  530.420.5517 | MarLucBlu.com
Radio Promo (Traditional) Summer 2025  | Essence and Gold Country

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/DBaDGm5sThg