Musician Katie Crutchfield, the creative heart of Waxahatchee, has reached a new pinnacle in her career with her album ‘Tigers Blood’ being nominated for a Grammy Award. Despite her teenage years spent idolizing artists who often bypassed the Grammy spotlight, the recognition caught her pleasantly off guard.
Two decades into her career, the Grammy nomination for ‘Tigers Blood’ in the Best Americana Album category came as a surprise to Crutchfield. “I was really happy,” she says, expressing her delight at the unexpected honor. The news arrived amidst her transition from a bustling tour schedule to a quieter, more domestic lifestyle.
Reflecting on a year filled with tours and the release of ‘Tigers Blood’, Crutchfield couldn’t help but marvel at the whirlwind it was. “This year flew by. It was really fun,” she notes, appreciating the camaraderie with her band and crew. Her partnership with producer Brad Cook once again proved fruitful, overcoming any apprehension about matching the success of her previous album, ‘Saint Cloud’.
A significant addition to ‘Tigers Blood’ was guitarist MJ Lenderman, who enriched the collaboration with his remarkable talents. His integration into her and Cook’s creative process marked a new dynamic for Waxahatchee. Crutchfield attributes a portion of the album’s depth to her journey post-sobriety, which offered a nuanced and relatable narrative.
Among the tracks, “Right Back to It” emerges as Crutchfield’s first true love song under Waxahatchee, reflecting a matured view on love and relationships. “Bored” explores themes of evolving friendships, while “365” delves into codependency and addiction—issues personal to Crutchfield, drawing from her experiences with those around her.
Looking ahead, Crutchfield is preparing for intriguing performances, including a special show at Los Angeles’s Largo for her and her twin sister’s birthday. This event promises to blend nostalgia with playful cover performances, featuring collaborators like the actress D’Arcy Carden. Her admiration for Lucinda Williams also foreshadows an exciting concert at Willie Nelson’s Luck Ranch.
The nomination and subsequent success with ‘Tigers Blood’ have set a promising path for Crutchfield, who expresses readiness for what lies ahead musically. The synergy with Brad Cook has established a new era in her career, making this recognition one of many achievements to come.
As Katie Crutchfield looks forward to the Grammys, her journey with ‘Tigers Blood’ signifies both an artistic evolution and a celebration of her craft. Her story illustrates a blend of personal growth and professional accomplishment, charting new heights in her musical timeline.
Source: Forbes
