Sara Jean Stevens reflects on a love lost on her rollicking cover of Gene Watson’s “Fourteen Carat Mind.” It’s a lighter moment from he rupcoming sophomore EP, Lovesick. Out February 14, the four layered tracks bring hints of country, folk, roadhouse and singer-songwriter poetry, and continue exploring her unique voice in Americana.
Stevens, who is based in Chicago, grew up on a horse farm in Illinois — and those long rides infrom her honky tonk-inspired country. There’s a punk edge lurking in the background though, which provides an intriguing texture to Stevens’ timeless tales. In the past couple of years, her sound has caught the attention of acclaimed roots, rock, country and folk artists like John Hiatt, Rhett Miller (Old 97s), The Wood Brothers, Nora O’Connor and Whitehorse who have called on Stevens to open for them.
On “Fourteen Carat Mind,” Stevens translates a tale of the costs paid to a demanding lover into a modern tale of toxic relationships and the toll they take. Even as the song is framed by a rollicking slide guitar and Stevens’ sprightly vocals, the steel guitar in the background tells the real story: this isn’t a farce — it’s a tragedy that has embroiled a number of people. Small wonder Stevens is “obsessed” with the song.
Chicagoans can catch the Lovesick release show on 2/14 at Fitzgeralds, which will also feature The Hoyle Brothers, Reilly Downes, Lydia Cash, Kiley Bree, and Christine Melody
“Fourteen Carat Mind” will be available on streaming on Friday, 1/10
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