The waning days of August offer some of the last chances to work from my favorite “office,” the back porch that overlooks the garden, now overtaken by deep purple morning glories and teeming with cucumbers, tomatoes and zucchini. Though it is still high summer, I am looking ahead to the colder months and the transition of this back porch into a repository for snow boots and wet coats, which is why I will be renting a small office space for the fall and winter at The ARC in downtown Winona. The beautiful, historic building is managed by the Great River Shakespeare Festival and currently houses five local arts organizations. What better place for a small record label?! I look forward to working near other creative people and hope the change of scenery prompts new ideas and motivation during the quiet months where so much of my daily work involves brainstorming possibilities while juggling calendars. 

This afternoon I’m listening to Kelley Smith’s freshly mastered album under the auspices of research but with the unabashed joy of a child waiting for a birthday party. “Flowers” will be released this November and I’m preemptively proud to tie myself and Liatris Records firmly to this music. The audio is currently in the capable hands of Copycats Media for duplication to vinyl and compact disc. Huge thanks to Rodney at Copycats who is the most diligent and steadfast sales rep. We have worked with him for well over a decade, since long before Liatris was even an idea, and he has ushered project after project to completion with a perfect mix of professionalism and personalism.

Kelley and I are still working on some of the more creative (read: FUN) stages of the release process- she on album design and aesthetic, me on promotional writing (hence all of the listening). We are also pushing through the necessary tedium of song registration, digital distribution and myriad deadlines that need to be met. My inspiration to stay at the computer on a gorgeous summer day is knowing that we all need this music right now, Kelley’s strong, sweet voice, her poetry, her banjo, deep and clear. I find my heart broken and stitched back together with each new listen. I can’t wait for you to hear this record!!   

~diane