In general, we tend to associate heartache with broken romance or squashed dreams. But sometimes our deepest grief stems from watching the world eat itself alive. Bridget Leen’s music exists somewhere between the harmony-rich style of First Aid Kit and the stark lyricism of Norah Jones. Her heartfelt lyrics probe big questions about life and society, captivating her listeners with stirring songs that provide more solace than answers. It’s warm music that’s perfect for cool nights. Or any night, really.
Co-produced with Seersha and Greg Hendler, “Lately” is a polychromatic self-inventory intermixed with observations about the havoc factory farms, the sugar cane industry, and other polluters have reaped on Leen’s native Florida. It’s part vindication, part prayer—and fully enchanting. Leen is joined by her band, The Houseplants, who add a potent backing of pianos, harmonies, and steel guitar as Leen hums along with vibrant energy. At the end, she aches, “We never seem to figure / How we caused all this trouble we’re in,” and it’s that final turn of the knife that leaves the listener searching for the repeat button.
“I started writing ‘Lately’ in 2018 after Florida had a massive green and red algae bloom that killed millions of fish, turtles, birds, porpoises, seagrass, reefs and caused respiratory infections to those living close to the water,” Leen explains. “While blooms occur naturally, they are exacerbated by factory farms, golf courses, and residential fertilizer runoff.”
Leen continues: “The fertilizer runoff from these factory farms drains into the water supply and is the perfect food for the algae. The canals then pump the toxic water straight out to the Gulf and Atlantic, killing everything on the way. I grew up in South Florida—the Everglades, mangrove forests, and coral reefs were the backdrop of 24 years of my life. It’s heartbreaking watching the reefs die, the Everglades be poisoned by sugar burns, or cypress stands demolished to make way for a new golf community.”
Listen below.
Bridget Leen will perform a solo set on Sun., March 20 at Waller’s Coffeehouse. She will be joined by Brianna Bass (of Skunkweed Juju) and Molloy Montgomery. Doors open at 3:30 p.m. Admission is $15. All ages. Bring a camp chair.
More Info
Web: bridgetleenmusic.squarespace.com
Facebook: @Bridget-Leen-152383868677305
Instagram: @bridgetleen