Shelby Lynne has long moved away from Nashville, both in a physical and artistic sense, leaving the city behind over 25 years ago.
In 2000, she released “I Am Shelby Lynne,” an album that showcased her unique sound and earned her a Grammy Award for Best New Artist. Prior to that, Lynne spent ten years in Nashville releasing five albums that struggled to capture her deep Southern soul. After relocating to Palm Springs, California, she abandoned country music. While “I Am” produced by Bill Bottrell brought her success with its bluesy rock and retro pop style, she faced personal challenges, including high standards, poor choices, and struggles with alcohol.
Now back in Tennessee, Lynne found herself reminiscing on the patio of Soho House, Nashville’s branch of the famed British social club. Dressed in rust-colored Dickies overalls, a crisp white dress shirt, and a tailored black jacket, she reflected on her journey with a warm laughter.
“I came back here to be near Sissy,” Lynne, 55, shared in her characteristic drawl, referring to her sister, singer-songwriter Allison Moorer. “I was always making records in California, but I thought that part of my life was over. I just wanted to write some songs, maybe get a publishing deal, which I never had.”
In classic Nashville fashion, the city embraced her return. With the 25th anniversary of “I Am” approaching, Katie McCartney of Monument Records proposed a reissue. However, Lynne was also focused on new music, collaborating with country artist Ashley Monroe. These collaborations opened up new creative avenues for Lynne, resulting in her upcoming 17th studio album, “Consequences of the Crown,” set to release on Friday.