California-based country/Americana singer-songwriter Victoria Bailey sat down with @skopemag to talk about her gorgeous new single, “A Cowgirl Rides On” (out now).
@skopemag: Tell us about your new single. What inspired it and what is it about?
Victoria: “A Cowgirl Rides On” is the title track off my new album, and I’m so excited that this song will be the first reveal. It is loosely based on a book called “Distant Skies,” which is a true story by Melissa A. Priblo Chapman. She rode cross-country on horseback in the ’70s. I also tie in a bit of my own journey and heartache at the time. This track sets the tone for the rest of the record – the bravery and strength of a cowgirl, tied in with a little bit gospel and a little bit bluegrass… all the things I love.
@skopemag: Who did you work with on the song?
Victoria: A lot of the album was co-written with my good friend and producer, Brian Whelan. It was my first time co-writing, and I couldn’t imagine this record coming to life the way it did without him. It’s a beautiful process to create music with someone and to be able to hear each other’s influences in the outcome.
@skopemag: What made you name the album after this song?
Victoria: I went back and forth on the title of this record but kept going back to this song being the title track because I feel like it sums up the album as a whole.
@skopemag: What is the message of this song?
Victoria: This song has given me lots of strength by writing it and performing it. I hope that listeners can feel the same. It’s my ode to all the other strong, brave cowgirls.
@skopemag: What early secrets can you reveal to us about the rest of the album?
Victoria: This album was recorded live with very little post production. It’s my favorite aspect of the project and exactly what I wanted it to sound like, as if you’re hearing me play live in a room. Hope you enjoy it!
