Jess Williamson released one of BPM’s favourite albums of 2022 as one half of Plains, and she’s getting ready to follow that up with a new solo album called Time Ain’t Accidental, arriving on June 9 through Mexican Summer.
She’s shared the record’s lead single, “Hunter”, saying:
“If you’ve been ghosted, if you’ve chased after an unavailable person, if you’ve been given crumbs when you need a full meal, ‘Hunter’ is a song for you. I wrote it during a time when I was heartbroken over a breakup and experimenting with dating in Los Angeles. That era felt like being thrown to the wolves, but it helped me to see myself and what I really wanted more clearly. This song is an anthem for the true lovers out there, anyone who is hunting for the real thing.”
“Hunter” glides on lightly plinking piano, whispering guitar and shuffling drums, leaving plenty of space for Williamson’s voice to tease out the feelings that have been swirling around her mind; self-doubt, painful memories – and a determination to live through it and find happiness. The elements all swell into a softly resounding chorus where the singer states her intentions clearly; “I want a mirror, not a piece of glass … I’ve been known to move little fast, I’m a hunter for the real thing”, and vaunts her own qualities: “my love is pure as the universe / honest as an ashtray”. She then delivers the perfect kiss-ff: “Baby it’s fune, I’d’ve blown your mind / But I guess I’m gonna give you space.” “Hunter” is the sound of Williamson shrugging off her hang-ups and taking a deep breath of freedom from the burden – while also getting ready to continue the search for the right person.
Watch the video for “Hunter” below or find it on streamers.
Jess Williamson’s new album Time Ain’t Accidental arrives on June 9 through Mexican Summer (pre-order/save). You can find Jess Williamson on Bandcamp, Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
She’s got these tour dates ahead:
5/19 – Nashville, TN @ The Basement
5/20 – Nashville, TN @ The Basement
5/23 – Brooklyn, NY @ Union Pool
5/24 – Brooklyn, NY @ Union Pool
5/26 – Woodstock, NY @ Levon Helm Studios
5/27 – Toronto, ON @ The Monarch Tavern
5/28 – Pittsburgh, PA @ WonderWorks Music & Arts Festival
5/30 – Indianapolis, IN @ Hi-Fi
5/31 – Chicago, IL @ The Hideout
6/1 – Chicago, IL @ The Hideout
6/3 – Minneapolis, MN @ Turf Club
6/5 – Milwaukee, WI @ The Back Room @ Colectivo
6/6 – Davenport, IA @ Raccoon Motel
6/8 – Dallas, TX @ The Sundown
6/9 – Austin, TX – Continental Club
6/10 – Austin, TX – Continental Club
6/17 – Los Angeles, CA – Zebulon
