Grace Potter Embarks on a Musical Journey with Her 'Mother Road' Album

Grace Potter, a dynamic blues-rock musician based in Los Angeles, will be captivating audiences with her live performance on March 16 at The Sound venue located in Del Mar. The act of touring and live performances serves as one of her most cherished aspects of her musical career. Fresh off Halloween festivities with her young son, Potter is fully entrenched in the rhythm of her tour — an element she expresses a deep fondness for, as it allows her to fully immerse herself in the music and connect with her fans.

The release of her recent album 'Mother Road' in August paints a broad musical landscape, ranging from lively, Rolling Stones-esque rockers to tracks that could easily accompany a vintage western film. This diversity is intentional as Potter aims to create a vivid storytelling experience, crafting songs that seamlessly intertwine with the visuals she envisions.

As Potter approaches her 41st birthday, she reflects on how her approach to songwriting has evolved. Confronted with harder truths and more profound emotions, she dives into storytelling and revives characters from her past like 'Lady Vagabond' to process these experiences. Her music acts as a truthful mirror, capturing the raw emotions regardless of the fictional narratives she weaves.

In the process of creating 'Mother Road,' Potter was inspired by an eclectic mix of musical influences while driving across the country multiple times. This playlist included film noir soundtracks from the 1940s, works by Italian maestros Piero Umiliani and Ennio Morricone, and the iconic Patsy Cline. Her goal was to genuinely represent the character of Lady Vagabond, an imaginative ally from her childhood, while avoiding any sense of caricature.

Potter's fascination with storytelling doesn't end with music; she's advancing plans to adapt 'Mother Road' into a film, currently holding the second script draft and working with Ghost Dance Films, a familiar collaborator for her music videos. The album and potential film draw heavily from her experiences driving on Route 66 and imagining how the storied highway might personify its own history and neglect.

Through her cross-country drives, Potter also gained insights into her personal ethos — embracing solitude, acknowledging her innate fearlessness, and recognizing her tendency to drive fast as a form of meditation. However, when joined by her son or tasked with the responsibility of driving the band, she prioritizes safety over speed.

Grace Potter with Brittany Spencer

When: 8 p.m. March 16

Where: The Sound, 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd., Del Mar

Tickets: $39.50

Online: Ticket details can be found through official ticket outlets for The Sound in Del Mar.

blues-rock, musician, performance