Hope permeates Heal the Heart, the new album from eclectic Americana/world-fusion Nashville-based band The Deer’s Cry. It’s perhaps surprising, then, that the 10 songs on the band’s second record, set for release on September 30, 2022, grew out of dark, sad times. Grappling with the isolation of the early days of the pandemic and the stories of hatred and division leading the news, Karen Ballew —the harpist and ethereal vocalist who fronts The Deer’s Cry —felt her heart breaking and her mind in anguish. As she wrote new songs to follow 2020’s Rise With the Dawn, however, sparks of joy crept in; she noticed messages of transformation and healing throughout her work.
Indeed, with Heal the Heart, The Deer’s Cry explores the beauty and symbolism of the spiritual, consistently reminding listeners of both the vastness of our universe and the importance of their role in it. In the spirit of acknowledging something larger than one’s self, the band’s name, The Deer’s Cry, comes from a translation of the title of an Old Irish prayer, St. Patrick’s Breastplate, which reflects on the natural beauty, personal strength, and protection given by a higher power.Sonically, the musical voices and experiences of Karen and band members Patrick Atwater (bassist/arranger), Bryan Brock (drummer/percussionist), and Will MacLean (banjoist/guitarist) create a mystical intertwining of bluegrass, Celtic, classical, folk, gospel, jazz, rock, and world music.Lyrically, Karen is both introspective and focused on a bigger picture, often connecting her newly written words to classic poetry, traditional prayers, and older texts.
“Morning Light” is an echoing, sweeping churn of strings and voices: a celebration of creation and a plea to wake up to all that is joyous around us. Lead singer Karen Ballew told us more about The Deer Cry’s process.
What is the story behind this song? Did something in particular prompt you to write it?
I wrote this song at a time when I was having anxiety attacks almost every night. The sunlight coming through the window in the morning felt like it enfolded me; it was my solace and something to look forward to, and there was also the sound of the birds singing. Sometimes, I unconsciously absorb the negativity around me and feel like I must solve everything on my own, which is a very unrealistic idea, yet a trap I fall into a lot. One morning, I truly felt like I could release all this. I remembered the words from the Tihanama Nation’s song “We n’ de ya ho / I am of the Great Spirit, it is so!” I had forgotten about this connection to my Creator and the strength and guidance that comes from the Great Spirit.
Tell us how the song came together—lyrically and musically.
I wrote the melody and lyrics for the verses and pre-chorus in one morning and had a melodic idea for the chorus, but no words. Later, I came back to “We n’ de ya ho” for the chorus lyrics, as nothing I could write would be as profound as this revelation from the Tihanama people.
What was the recording process like for this particular song? How did it come together in the studio?
It is always a joy collaborating with my bandmates, Bryan, Patrick, and Will! They, together with our producer, Nick Bullock, created a soundscape for this song that took my breath away. We recorded all together as a band first and then recorded additional layers of vocals and instruments. We were also joined by Kristin Weber (violin) and Austin Hoke (cello)!
What do you hope this song’s message is to those who listen to it?
I hope listeners are reminded of the beauty in our world and encouraged to continue along a path of goodness, even if it is the more challenging path to take.
How would you describe your music to someone who hasn’t heard it before?
The Deer’s Cry is a meeting of multiple artistic sensibilities. Each band member has a different musical upbringing: from Irish to classical, folk to jazz, rock to bluegrass, our music celebrates differences and seeks to find connecting threads in diverse artistic expression!
Heal the Heart will be out on September 30th.