Zoe Muth’s press kit for her new album, Starlight Hotel, reveals several impressive references — everyone from Emmylou Harris, Kitty Wells and Iris DeMent to Merle Haggard, John Prine and Hank Williams — concerning her songwriting ability and vocal prowess. Those are lofty comparisons for someone who’s promoting her sophomore album, but the correlations are completely warranted and hesitantly accepted.
“It’s pretty intimidating,” Muth says from the van she shares with her band, the Lost High Rollers. “Hopefully someday I can live up to the records and go beyond in the live show. I hear Emmylou Harris sing and I don’t hear her hit a bad note or forget the words, which I do quite often.”
If Starlight Hotel is any indication, Muth is well prepared to stand up to the scrutiny. The album is a diverse collection that mirrors Muth’s broad musical interests — Country, Bluegrass, Rock, Roots and all points in between. When she and the Rollers hit the stage, however, the needle pegs more towards the red.
Zoe Muth and The Lost High Rollers perform Thursday at the Southgate House with Dave Alvin & The Guilty Ones. Go here to read Brian Baker's full interview.
