Tami Neilson has released a new single, “Foolish Heart”, from her upcoming album, inspired by Roy Orbison.
The Canadian-born, New Zealand-based singer first met Orbison as a baby when her father’s band toured with him. The song sounds like Orbison’s ’60s music, with strings and strong vocals, recorded live in one take in a single room.
Neilson says, “I grew up with a photo of Roy Orbison cradling me in his arms, tucked inside my baby book. I was just an infant when my Dad played a venue with him. When he met him backstage afterward, he asked if Roy would mind holding his new daughter while he snapped a photo of us. Roy’s face lit up with delight and he happily complied. I like to think of this moment as my true christening.
“A tiny dusting of his magic falling onto my bald little baby head, a seminal moment of musical destiny. Driving past his old house in Nashville, I felt a deep sadness, reflecting on the tragedy and heartbreak that plagued him in his short life and this song poured out of me. I named the demo ‘Orbiting Orbison’ — that’s as close as we can get to reaching his greatness.”
She also released a one-take video for “Foolish Heart” to go with the song.
“I wanted to capture a true-to-life moment that performers experience after they walk off stage from the applause and connection of thousands of people to being completely alone in silence as we remove the layers of artifice,” Neilson explains. “It’s how we all feel when we can remove our brave faces and allow ourselves to fall apart and release the pain we carry. This is one take, made completely by humans, with their foolish hearts beating in their chests.”
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“Foolish Heart” follows singles “Borrow My Boots” and “You’re Gonna Fall”, featuring JD McPherson. All are on Neon Cowgirl, out July 11 through Outside Music.
The album also features JD McPherson, Ashley McBryde, Grace Bowers, Shelly Fairchild, and Neil Finn.
Neilson will join Willie Nelson’s Outlaw Festival tour with Bob Dylan, return to the Grand Ole Opry in June, and play shows in France, Belgium, and the Netherlands.
Tami Neilson’s “Foolish Heart” is out now via Outside Music.
