Melissa Etheridge to Deliver Rocking Performance in Bend, Oregon
Melissa Etheridge is a symbol of resilience, having endured various challenges throughout her life, including publicly coming out as a lesbian in a time when it was unpopular, battling breast cancer, and most recently, losing a child to an opioid overdose. Her latest album, “Rise,” is a reflection of her journey through these trials and her determination to rise above them.
Returning to her musical roots from her early career, Etheridge poured her heart and soul into creating an album that speaks to her current state of mind and emotions. “Rise” serves as a marker of her experiences, both personal and professional, over the past few years. Written in the aftermath of the L.A. fires, the title track embodies a message of hope and resilience, encouraging listeners to rise above obstacles and challenges.
Assisting Etheridge in bringing her vision to life was producer Shooter Jennings. Their collaboration focused on honoring the essence of Etheridge’s music, prioritizing the songs over any trends or social media algorithms. Choosing to record the album in Hollywood, California, where she had previously worked, offered Etheridge the convenience of being close to home while working with her preferred musicians.
The resulting album features 11 tracks that exude an outlaw country vibe, departing from the mainstream bro-country dominating the music scene. Standout songs like “Davina,” “Bein’ Alive,” and “The Other Side of Blue” showcase Etheridge’s artistry and storytelling prowess. In particular, “Call You” stands out as a poignant tribute to her late son, Beckett, expressing the depth of her loss while affirming her commitment to continue living and thriving.
Looking ahead to her live performances, Etheridge promises an electrifying experience for her audiences, drawing from her extensive song catalog. Known for her captivating stage presence and intimate connections with fans, Etheridge aims to create a memorable concert experience by engaging with her audience through stories and sharing the meaning behind her songs. By combining her classic hits with new tracks from “Rise,” Etheridge hopes to engage listeners and inspire them to explore the album further.
Melissa Etheridge’s journey as an artist and survivor is reflected in her music, serving as a source of inspiration and comfort for her fans. With “Rise,” she continues to uphold her legacy as a talented musician who uses her art to convey messages of resilience, hope, and strength.