Misty Lyn – For the Dead

After Chris Bathgate and Matt Jones, let’s add one more step on our little tour around the Ann Harbour area. Time has come to share one of the most talented female songwriter, i’ve discovered last year : Misty Lyn. I remembered back in July how astonishing I was to have found such a high quality in these two underrated and so inspired michiganders. As Matt Jones is part of the Big Beautiful, Misty Lyn band, i’m pretty sure there’s a kind of emulation between these fellows composers.

That said, let’s get back to Misty Lyn. If I can only draw a single parallel with another artist, she’s definitly a new Sam Beam ! And it’s not a way to tease your curiosity. No, she doesn’t sing like Iron & Wine and her music is not a copy of him. She’s opening new directions in songwriting, arrangements like Sam did couple years back !

A friend of mine told me about her : “She seems very connected to a beautiful source…” while listening to The Fall. Everything is atypical in her songwriting and performance. She’s like a top cabinetmaker realizing in each song the best furniture : work almost accomplished, you already know you love the song. And like the best furnitures, each listening reveals a new detail, a single note, a tremor in her voice acting like a perfect polish.

If you live in Michigan, check right now her myspace page and book your ticket for the coming gig. If not, stick your browser on the same page and ask myspace for a loop button ! Yes, that’s the bad news : Misty Lyn is currently recording her first album : ‘For the Dead’. So we’ll have to wait. But patience, dreamers ! I’m already betting : this will be my 2008 top !

YCD : Could you please tell us your story about music ?
Misty Lyn : I didn’t pick up my first guitar until I was 22. Didn’t write my first song until I was 24-25. Got on stage for the first time to perform when I was 25.
But I always knew that I would be a musician. In school I was always involved in choir. No one in my family is a musician…immediate or extended. Some parts of my childhood were very difficult and I always found comfort in music. It was the one thing I could always relate to and I was very passionate about the music I loved. It’s funny that you ask why I’ve “chosen” music as an artistic expression against poetry or painting. I don’t think one gets to “choose” the gifts they are given. I guess I can only speak for myself…I know I certainly didn’t choose music. It’s just what I do. It was the gift that was given to me to express myself and to reach out to people and relate to them. I feel like it’s the only time I’m eloquent.

YCD : So, you’re 26 ?
Misty Lyn : Sure. That sounds good.

YCD : From what i’ve heard and read so far, for sure, you’ve received this precious gift. Between the past conscience and your current reality, a quest, lots of work, encouragements, doubts ?
Misty Lyn : Well, thank you. I’m very lucky to have started playing and performing here in Ann Arbor, MI. The musical community here is very supportive of new artists, and right from the beginning I was encouraged to learn and grow. Of course, there is always a bit of doubt in my mind, I think that’s natural and it’s what keeps me reaching for the next level of my ability. As for work…hell yes! Lots of work! Especailly when it comes to the record.

YCD : Couple months ago, Matt Jones mentioned in the YCD interview that he wish he had written couple songs including famous songwriter such as Elliott Smith and Richard Buckner. He also mentioned your song ‘Rita Mae’ ? It’s an amazing compliment ! How do you feel being listed on the same line than this top songwriters ?
Misty Lyn : I am humbled and flattered. Especially because it comes from, in my mind, one of the best song writers I’ve ever had the pleasure of hearing: Matt Jones. He really is one of the most uniquely astounding lyricists and guitar players you’ll ever hear. I recognize the weight of this claim, and I stand by it.

YCD : Tell us more about this song… Nothing to deal with Rita Mae Brown ?
Misty Lyn : Not at all. And I usually don’t discuss what my songs are about, but this one is special to me. It’s actually about addiction…specifically alcoholism. “Rita Mae” represents the alcohol itself and how alcohol is the love of a specific man’s life, even though he tried to love me. There are other things touched upon in the song, but that’s the gist of it.

YCD : Is there a song you wish you had written ?
Misty Lyn : Oh! The songs I wish I’d written! The first song that comes to mind is “Just Like Heaven” by The Cure. It’s just perfect in every way. I sort of have “new wave envy”, if you will. More along my genre lines I’d have to go with “Waltz #3″ by Elliott Smith. This is my kind of folk music. There is truth in every one of his songs. No pretension. I love that. Also, Gillian Welch can do no wrong. I wish I had written “Wayside (Back in Time)”…so good.

YCD : You’re currently recording your first album ‘For The Dead’ with Jim Roll in his new Studio ? Could you please tell us more about it ?
Misty Lyn : About the album….hmmm…It’s been quite a frustrating and elusive project. One thing after another keeps it from being completed. Everything from illness to over-booking…I’ve had 2 artists back out on me after months of thinking they were going to do it. The songs are good. The record is really very cohesive and I know once it’s done I will be very proud of it. I just cannot say when everyone, including myself, will get their jobs done. Some of the songs are being mixed right now, some of them still need bits and pieces recorded.

YCD : According to your current myspace. com page, you’ve recently switched your current styles to indie/gothic/country ?
Misty Lyn : My style is now indie/gothic/folk. I threw the country out because i really despise “new country” and don’t want to be associated with it at all. I threw in “gothic” because there is a darker side to my writing that I think makes it a little different from other folk or country material. Someone once called us “gothic country” and i liked the sound of it…things like “americana” and “roots music” are definitley part of what I do, but I don’t think those genres encompass all of it. I guess “gothic”, for me, describes the feeling I have when I write most of my songs…and the mood I think they may create in a person. Sorry if that’s a bit nebulous. It’s difficult to explain.

YCD : Thanks for your time answering these questions. Hope you’ll be back soon on this site for the release of your album.

Artist : Misty Lyn
Label : unsigned
You should also enjoy : Mieka Pauley, Iron & Wine, Matt Jones