Artist:Jessica Lea Mayfield
Song:We've Never Lied
Album:With Blasphemy So Heartfelt
Folksinger Jessica Lea Mayfield's 2008 self released debut album got a lot of attention because it was produced by The Black Keys leader Dan Auerbach. I guess the goal was to get her a record deal. Mission accomplished. She was born Aug. 25, 1989 in Kent, OH. As a child, she toured with her family bluegrass band One Way Rider. She began to write songs at age 11 and played a weekly gig at a local bar. Then she recorded in her brother's bedroom. The album was called White Lies and Jessica called herself Chittlin'. There were limited copies but one of them landed in the hands of Dan Auerbach and he offered to produce her next album. He had her record the 2008 album With Blasphemy So Heartfelt with her brother and then Auerbach added the backing instruments. He says he enjoyed working with Jessica because her music is dark and moody similar to Nick Cave. There was a lot of buzz around the album because of Auerbach's involvement. Pitchfork among others ranked it high. It's unlikely the album gets anywhere otherwise. Jessica recorded her 2011 album Tell Me for Warner's Nonesuch label. Again, Auerbach produced but then she signed with Dave Matthews' ATO label for the 2014 album Make My Head Sing... Jessica produced it with husband and bassist Jesse Newport. At this point, she doesn't need Auerbach. ATO is the perfect label as there is no pressure on Jessica to have hit singles. Matthews is perfectly happy with her as she is. Since then, Jessica recorded a 2015 Elliott Smith tribute album with Seth Avett of The Avett Brothers. Her 2017 album Sorry Is Gone was produced by Patrick Damphier. Jessica recently released a vinyl only special edition of With Blasphemy So Heartfelt. She is currently on tour. But I don't see any indication of new music. Here's Jessica Lea Mayfield performing We've Never Lied on Folk Alley Apr. 7, 2008.
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