Lawrence Rothman reveals upcoming album “Here Lies Love / Sawdust to Stardust”
Acclaimed artist Lawrence Rothman has announced the impending release of their latest album, “Here Lies Love / Sawdust to Stardust,” which is set to debut on September 25 via KRO Records. Alongside this exciting news, Rothman has unveiled the album’s lead single, “The Meaning,” for audiences to enjoy.
“The Meaning” is accompanied by a visually captivating music video directed by the talented Floria Sigismondi, a renowned photographer and filmmaker. Rothman’s upcoming album, “Here Lies Love / Sawdust to Stardust,” marks their fifth studio album and promises to be their most intimate and revealing work to date. Embracing the rich legacy of Americana music, the album was crafted in Biarritz, France, and Nashville, Tennessee, with Rothman overseeing the production and mixing process. Notable collaborators featured on the album include Madi Diaz, Amanda Shires, Katie Pruitt, Jillian Jaqueline, and more.
Thematically, “Here Lies Love / Sawdust to Stardust” delves into a multitude of profound topics such as addiction, recovery, grief, identity, anxiety, and the complexities of navigating lost love. Rothman artfully explores the theme of survival and reinvention, painting a vivid and honest portrait of American life that transcends genre boundaries and leans heavily on authentic storytelling and songwriting craftsmanship.
In Rothman’s own words, “Sawdust is what’s left after the work. Stardust is what remains when survival becomes meaning.” The artist reflects on their two-decade-long career as a vocalist, likening their voice to an archaeological artifact shaped by years of experience and growth in the music industry. Rothman’s journey toward self-discovery is laid bare on this album, offering a candid and introspective look at the various iterations of their identity that have been buried and resurrected over time.
“The Meaning,” the lead single off the new album, beautifully captures the essence of purpose, forgiveness, and self-discovery. Co-written with collaborator Madi Diaz, the track grapples with the age-old question of whether truth originates from a divine source or is born from within our deepest wounds. Rothman poignantly muses, “The imagery of ‘the dirt is my heart beating’ is part of the theme of burial and rebirth that runs through the whole album. Dirt becomes both grave and soil… the place where old selves are buried, but also where new life begins.”
The accompanying music video for “The Meaning,” directed by Rothman’s creative partner Floria Sigismondi, offers a poignant visual narrative set against the stark backdrop of Joshua Tree. This barren landscape serves as a metaphor for contemplation on mortality, love, faith, and the eternal quest for purpose and connection to something greater than oneself.
“Here Lies Love / Sawdust to Stardust” completes a trilogy that commenced with “Good Morning, America” in 2021 and continued with “The Plow That Broke the Plains” in 2024—three interconnected albums conceived as a cohesive body of work. Rothman’s latest project is a culmination of their creative evolution and artistic vision, showcasing their growth as a confessional songwriter and producer.
Lawrence Rothman’s multifaceted career spans over two decades, traversing the realms of folk, rock, Americana, and experimental pop. With their acclaimed debut album, “The Book of Law,” Rothman carved out a distinct niche in the alternative music scene, establishing themselves as a compelling and unique voice in the industry. As a producer and collaborator, Rothman has lent their talents to a diverse array of artists, including Angel Olsen, Lucinda Williams, MUNA, Blondshell, Amanda Shires, Kim Gordon, and Margo Price, shaping records that merge vulnerability with artistic power.
In a touching gesture, proceeds from “The Meaning” will be donated to The Trevor Project, a non-profit organization that supports LGBTQ+ youth in need. Lawrence Rothman’s upcoming album, “Here Lies Love / Sawdust to Stardust,” is poised to be a seminal addition to their discography, cementing their status as a boundary-pushing artist unafraid to explore the depths of human emotion and experience through their music.