Photo Credit: Sandra Davidson

Dawn Landes is on a mission to bring women’s voices back to the forefront of conversation. In doing so, the singer/songwriter has exclusively premiered the latest sonic experience/ visual counterpart off her impending set, The Liberated Woman’s Songbook, due on March 29, with cut “The Housewife’s Lament.” The album was conceived on the heels of the overturn of Roe v. Wade, at a time when women’s bodies and decision-making had percolated political systems, scrubbed of independent choice in the light of masculine control.

The record’s concept builds on the 1971 publication, for which Landes named her album The Liberated Woman’s Songbook. It captures the pent-up feeling of housewives and those dissatisfied with the status quo of appeasing their husbands before themselves. Contrived of 11 tracks, Landes builds upon stories of female activism from 1830-1970, which drip with themes that woefully remain true today. 

Today’s feature draws on discovered lines scribed by Mrs. Sarah A. Price, who wrote: “Life is a toil, love is a trouble.” In her own words, Landes describes “The Housewife’s Lament,” offering: “This was the song that really set off this whole project and it’s one of my favorites on the album. It was the first one I worked on with Josh Kaufman and he brought so much magic to it. The lyrics were found in the diary of Mrs. Sara A. Price of Ottowa, Il during the Civil War. She had seven children and outlived them all.”

The full-length set was produced with the help of Josh Kaufman (Bonny Light Horseman, Bob Weir, Cassandra Jenkins) and highlights 11 stories, musically adapted to capture the discontent of womanhood and the multigenerational struggle that continues to sting with the reality of less and less control over the desired outcome resulting from gender discrimination. 

Tracked in Upstate New York at Little Pink and The Garage in Chapel Hill, N.C., the LP presents Landes’ leading on vocals, guitar and organ, while pal and collaborator Kaufman layers guitars, keys, drums, bass, mandolin and percussion. Assisting across the set are guests Emily Frantz of Watchhouse, Kanene Pipkin of The Lone Bellow, Rissi Palmer, Charly Lowry, Annie Nero and Lizzy Ross (Violet Bell). 

“Working with my old friend, Dawn Landes, on this collection of tunes was a real creative and collaborative gift. Many of these songs were already powerful in message but musically were never meant to travel beyond the picket line. I hope our work helps to amplify their message of freedom and equity anew,” Kaufman said, touching on the vitality of the moment and the music. 

Watch the official music video for The Housewife’s Lament” below. 

Pre-order The Liberated Woman’s Songbook now.