Whether turning an everyday chore into a honky-tonk confession of love and loss with her single, “The Laundry Pile,” or crafting a murder ballad with “Shadow of Doubt,” Harrisonburg-based country musician Rebecca Porter brings her own personal style and storytelling to an often-traditional genre with her upcoming debut full-length record “Roll with the Punches,” due out Aug. 8.
Recorded and produced by engineer Danny Gibney with additional recording by Jacob Briggs at his home studio River Wash Recording, “Roll with the Punches” is already earning Porter national recognition, having recently appeared on NPR’s “Mountain Stage” and been featured on Ed Helms’ “Good Country.”
Style Weekly spoke with Porter about her new album, sticking to her own opinions, and fighting bias within the traditional country music scene.
Style Weekly: Is there a story or concept behind the new album?
Rebecca Porter: The concept behind the record was presenting my story through the lens of Western cinema. I love Spaghetti Westerns and grew up watching them with my family. As I was writing the songs, I kept getting these big visuals and feelings that felt very cinematic and I wanted people to be transported to this world. The record follows a distinct plotline. You meet the main character and go through this journey with them until the big-train chase climax of the story.
Do you have any personal favorite songs on it?
“No Evil” is definitely a favorite. It’s very anthemic about my personal experience with racial discrimination. I wrote it about the experiences I had with family members and people within my own network that really hit me hard. Writing that one felt like a huge act of rebellion against things said to me, and responding that it isn’t okay or acceptable. Writing and performing that song felt really impactful and is something that I don’t always feel like I can say with words.
“Roll with the Punches,” the title track, is a similar reflection on the courage to make my own choices. I shouldn’t just be expected to smile and let people treat me, or anyone, a certain way just because that’s how it’s always been. I can choose who I am, and how I’m going to show up, and how I should be treated.
What’s been your experience in country music showcasing your own personal style in a scene that’s often very traditional?
I know I have a very strong appearance. I’m heavily tattooed and can look tough, but then if you get to know me, I’m a very sweet, approachable person. I’ve had people say to me that my music isn’t country or that I can’t have a music career without moving to Nashville, or that I must “kiss the ring.” I don’t believe any of that. I started a honky-tonk series to open people’s eyes on what country and Americana music actually looks like, and to foster that environment.
“I have a growing fanbase in Texas and the Pacific Northwest and I’m hoping to perform out there soon.”
Who are some artists that inspired you?
I had a three-to-four-song playlist for each song on the record for a vibe or specific sound. Marty Robbins, Margot Price and the Marshall Tucker Band were all on that list. I love Dolly Parton. Growing up in a very conservative household, we could only listen to gospel music and Dolly was the exception to that rule because she had some gospel songs. Vocally, I’m inspired by Etta James. I love the power in her voice, as well as the softness that it has. Koko Taylor is another one. It’s funny because I think people expect me to list a bunch of country artists, but I just feel like when I’m writing and recording, it’s hard to not take inspiration from everything.
What are you hoping that people will get from your music?
I’m interested to see people taking that journey on the album. If someone has had experiences similar to my own, I want them to hear this record and to see a little bit of themselves and see their worth. It is possible to go through your worst days and see the other side of the canyon.
What’s next for you after the album’s release?
I joke that 90% of my manager’s job is telling me to slow down and I never do. We have an album release show in Harrisonburg planned. I have a growing fanbase in Texas and the Pacific Northwest and I’m hoping to perform out there soon. And I’m already working on new songs. I’ve had a lot of growth within the past few months that I’m very thankful for, but there’s a lot more growth to be had and that I would love to see.
Rebecca Porter’s album “Roll with the Punches” is available for pre-order now. Porter performs at Dürty Nelly’s Pub in Charlottesville on May 17 and at the Rooster Walk Music Festival in Martinsville on May 23-24.
