When indie rock artist Kiley Lotz, better known by her stage name, Petal, released her first album, Shame, in 2015, she found critical success. But internally, the songwriter was struggling, trying to fend off mounting anxiety and depression as she attempted to come to grips with her newly-acknowledged queer identity.
Three years later, Petal opens up about those dark days – and her evolution since – on her new album, Magic Gone. Released in June on Run for Cover Records, the 10-track album is split into two distinct LPs: one (Tightrope Walker) written in the midst of Petal’s time of turmoil, the other (Miracle Clinger) written during her recovery. It is a deeply personal story of self-examination, confusion, crisis, and eventually, acceptance; one that Petal felt compelled to tell. “I was so terrified of acknowledging the anger I felt at my difficulties in life,” she said, in an interview with Interview Magazine, “And on this record I let myself voice all those things.”
Stylistically, Petal draws influence from ‘70s powerhouses like Queen and Nina Simone, as well as modern artists such as Solange and Mitski. On ‘Magic Gone’ she stays true to her brand of confessional rock, letting her vulnerability hang out for all the world to see in a way that feels both cathartic and empowering.
To keep up with Petal and her upcoming tour dates, visit her Facebook or Run for Cover artist page.
Photo Cred: Katie Krulock
