No Depression Sessions at Folk Alliance International 2024: Xanthe Alexis

Amid the buzzing hallways of Folk Alliance International in Kansas City, Xanthe Alexis took the “stage” in the AEA Microphones room for a serene three-song No Depression Session. She offered a glimpse into her forthcoming record, including two songs from Lover’s Mark along with a fan favorite and title track of her 2020 album, “The Offering.”

Between the first and second songs, Alexis does not hesitate to share the spotlight with collaborator and super homey Sarah Clanton, co-founder of the organization Tunedough, which guides artists through the twists and turns of registering their music to make sure they bring home the sweet cash money they deserve, but too often don’t get.

Alexis tells us about the genesis of the title track on Lover’s Mark, and how it evolved into a whole album. She acknowledges the darker tone heard on the record, discussing how love and trauma can get tangled up together. The term “lover’s mark” has its roots in the 1920s, describing a hickey left on a lover’s neck. Alexis uses this term in a dual sense on the record, to describe physical marks left with affection and those that are tragically left in anger.

Setlist:
“Just Down the Street”
“Lover’s Mark”
“The Offering”

This No Depression Session at Folk Alliance International 2024 was made possible by AEA Ribbon Mics. Find previous No Depression Sessions at Folk Alliance International 2024 here, and look for more in the coming weeks.