SONG PREMIERE: Michelle Billingsley Delivers Vintage Honky Tonk With Candid Lyrical Insight On “Sense of Smell”

Photo by In The Black Photography

“Rotten smells pretty good if it’s all you know,” sings Michelle Billingsley in her latest song “Sense Of Smell” which Glide is premiering below off her new album Both Sides of Lonely due out June 2nd. Billingsley has grabbed many an ear with her throwback honkytonk sound that combines shades of the modern and past- think Sierra Ferrell, Lucinda Williams, and Tammy Wynette. Alongside her introspectively outspoken lyrics and steel-driven sound, Billingsley evokes dusty neon light taverns where the draft beer is served cold and the locals still run the joint.

“I’ve got a whole new sound, a new record,” Billingsley says. “My voice is stronger than ever. I’ve got a ring on my finger. I’ve got a dog now. And my band and I have really grown with this album. It’s useful as a roadmap going forward—this is the sound; this is where we’re headed.”

Photo by In The Black Photography

As a songwriter, Billingsley has fast developed a reputation for being unguarded, often tackling subjects considered taboo for polite women in country music. Whether with a wink and a smile or a soft, disarming sincerity, on Both Sides of Lonely, she sings her heart out about everything from depression, isolation and self-sabotage to casual sex and nuclear winter—though you might not catch it all on first listen, as she likes to veil her most cutting lyrics in raucous acoustic strumming, her dryly dark sense of humor and a whipsmart-assed vocal delivery.

On the twangy “Sense of Smell,” Billingsley one-ups her candor with ace musicians that include Billingsley’s live rhythm section—drummer Jordan Snow and bassist Brian Westfall—as well as session guitarist and pedal-steel wizard Brian Wilkie.

So “Sense of Smell” is recognizing that you have the ability to come to terms with the truth of your situation. You’ve started thinking about making changes, but you’re not ready to make them just yet,” adds Billingsley.

Billingsley certainly has a lot to say but its the full Americana meets honky tonk presentation that will shine her bright as a complete artist soon.

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