Traditional country band’s new album inspired by personal experiences with booze, drugs, and hijinks

The traditional country band Lightning Stills hails from Omaha and was founded by Craig Fort, whose lyrics often touch on topics like alcohol, drugs, and the wild antics associated with them. This project was born out of Fort’s time in addiction treatment and has served as a form of release during his years of sobriety. The band comprises talented local musicians such as Mike Friedman, Tom May, Dan Maxwell, and Matt Baum.

Their debut album is set to launch on February 20, with a release party at Slowdown featuring FACE and Mike Schlesinger. While limited vinyl copies of the album can be purchased online, it will also be available for streaming on various platforms. Fort discussed the band’s evolution from a coping mechanism during his sobriety to a collective of friends and respected musicians.

Throughout his music career, Fort has been involved in various bands in Omaha, including the post-punk noise rock group Leafblower, where he plays alongside Dmax. Lightning Stills originally began as a flamboyant character and alter ego for Fort, serving as a distraction during his early days of sobriety. However, it has since transformed into a full-fledged band rather than a solo act.

Writing for Lightning Stills has been a deeply cathartic experience for Fort, reigniting his passion for music. He emphasized that the writing process has been a natural and comfortable outlet for expressing his past experiences and current struggles. The band’s latest single, “Closed Down the Bar,” reflects Fort’s personal journey of quitting drinking.

“My Mama Wants a Love Song” is another track that holds personal significance for Fort, inspired by a conversation with his mother urging him to write a romantic song for his wife. The resulting song captures his inner conflict and vulnerability, showcasing a different side of his songwriting abilities.

Looking ahead, Fort expressed his commitment to continuing the creative process, with a wealth of new songs waiting to be recorded and released. These songs are deeply rooted in his own experiences, acting as a reflection of his past, present, and future. Lightning Stills shows no signs of slowing down, with Fort’s prolific songwriting paving the way for future albums and musical endeavors.