Summerlyn Powers is not shy about who she is — you can tell that from the first punch of guitars and country-rock fiddle on “The Hive,” the title track of the artist’s debut solo EP. Powers is no stranger to the spotlight, though, having released the viral “Alabama Kinda Girl” when she was 11. Since then, Powers has been pounding the pavement in Nashville, a graduate of Belmont University and a singer in Christian Americana group Sammi Accola and the Holy Women. As a songwriter, she has co-written songs for Chloe Collins (“Do It for the Plot”) and Michelle Raybourn (“Easier to Leave”).
On The Hive, Powers gallops through a unique blend of ’70s-style Southern rock as filtered through the golden age of ’90s country. With lush production and lyrics about common-sense life lessons, The Hive will command your attention. Powers’ intriguingly gritty voice anchors the space, telling her stories of homecoming and friendship with confidence. Powers tells us a little more about the EP below.
What inspired you to gather this collection of songs together?
For the past few years, I’ve been searching for “my sound.” I wanted to have a project that finally answered the question, “Who is Summerlyn Powers, anyway?” The Hive answers that question loud and clear. It’s vintage-inspired folk and country from a storyteller’s heart.
What was the songwriting process like? Were these songs all penned around the same time/era, or did you pull together songs from different times?
“The Hive” was the first song on the project, written in 2021. Everything else was written the following year, as I collected a pool of original songs to choose from. These five ended up creating a beautiful story I’m excited for people to hear!
What kind of vibe did you want this EP to have?
I wanted a southern, rootsy vibe that could both be down-to-earth and entertaining. My producer, Reid Sorel, brought that idea to life in exactly the way I’d hoped and yet not how I expected. I had the privilege of working with a talented producer like Reid who truly believed in my songs and knew how to realize their potential in the studio, and I believe the result speaks for itself.
What are the overall themes and concepts that run throughout the EP? What messages did you want to convey with the songs, either individually or as a whole?
The overarching message of the EP is hospitality, and each listener is invited to experience that in their own way. “The Hive” welcomes you in, the middle three tracks talk about the ups and downs of life like talking with a friend, and “Let’s Roll!” encourages you to get back out there with a renewed sense of hope.
What was the recording experience like? Any great studio stories or magical moments that happened during the creation process?
Whether it was being at the recording studio itself (Jordan Lehning’s The Duck) or doing overdubs at Reid’s home studio, the process was just fun and exciting. It’s not always the case that everyone involved in a project is invested. And from the writers to the players, it felt like we all were!
What are your favorite aspects of the EP? Why do they speak to you?
I love the dynamic element that runs throughout the EP. “Nana & Papa’s” house is a detailed story that tugs at your heart strings and “Always On My Mind” is a catchy tune about celebrating the search for “the one.”
What does the EP title mean, and why did you choose it?
The song “The Hive” invites a lonely wanderer to come join a band of other broken people who simply need community. I think that’s all of us, and the goal of this project is to create a small, musical version of that sense of community.
How has your music changed over time, and what is inspiring you most these days?
I’ve definitely explored a variety of genres, and I hope to keep discovering new sounds! I’m loving Jackson Browne and other ’70s artists I’ve meant to deep-dive on; there’s just so much richness in that era.
How do you feel about releasing this EP?
Excited, of course! And proud.
Summerlyn Powers’ EP The Hive is out everywhere tomorrow. You can pre-save the EP here.