From birth, everything has been about music for Heather Horton. Having lived in many of the major American music epicenters, she is no stranger to the struggles and triumphs of the business. Her endeavors have been extensive, but are not free of their share of obstacles. Her 2011 release, Postcard Saturdays held… Read moreShow less
From birth, everything has been about music for Heather Horton. Having lived in many of the major American music epicenters, she is no stranger to the struggles and triumphs of the business. Her endeavors have been extensive, but are not free of their share of obstacles. Her 2011 release, Postcard Saturdays held promise to be the breakthrough work to set her on a course she had always desired. The proverbial puzzle pieces looked to be falling in place to gain Horton her fair share of supporters with both music-buying fans and industry critics alike. As the album poised for release, the newly wed Horton became pregnant with her daughter, Rain, and Horton was forced to rethink the release of Postcard Saturdays. While forging on with her husband, singer-songwriter Michael McDermott, in their critically acclaimed collective, The Westies, the resolve to pursue her own sincere and compelling music ultimately couldn't be tamed. That pursuit is no more evident than on her upcoming release, Don’t Mess With Mrs. Murphy.
Creating music has always been instinctive for Horton, and she acknowledges that songs usually come together rather quickly for her, especially those stemming from her personal experiences; Don’t Mess With Mrs. Murphy is packed with such songs. The listener is welcomed into, not discouraged from, the realities of her life. The set, scheduled for release in July 2017, contains an array of themes and poses questions that incite the audience to consider his or her own existence.
Many songs could make a claim to the designation of cornerstone of the album, but perhaps none stronger than “I Wanna Die In My Sleep” - a seven-minute, perfectly executed love story wrapped in Horton’s sweet, yet commanding vocal. It is a tale of joy, bitter sweetness, and longing.
“Wheelchair Man” highlights Horton’s ability to tell a story from a different perspective. Few artists could deliver this tale, concerning the plight of a disabled individual, with such ease and conviction set against pensive production and contemplative lyrics. “Save The Rain” is concerned with guarding her daughter against the wrongs of this world, while paralyzed in her love and own helplessness to do so. The opening track, “Murphy’s Law,” reveals the vulnerability that accompanies falling in love with someone against better judgment, and the desperate desire to be with that person. Much of the album hypnotizes the listener into the obvious and the subtle observations of life.
Don’t Mess With Mrs. Murphy ultimately translates the narrative of Horton’s life through notes and measures, and advises the listener to stay engaged throughout the entire set, as not to miss any nuances that she explores throughout. This release looks to place her in position to accomplish her musical ambitions, while letting the listener know she is concerned with so much more.
