Ears Wide Open: Kath Myers

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Kath Myers (Photo by Grace Pickering)

Kath Myers is a late bloomer, at least as far as music is concerned.

The Cleveland native didn’t take up guitar until she was in her early 30s. By then, she had moved to Los Angeles from New York City after ditching her day job and a relationship, as well as doing a bit of globetrotting. Not long after she began playing some solo gigs around L.A., she fell in with the musicians who would become Kat Myers & the Buzzards, whose Americana-rock won them a modest following around town.

From Kat to Kath, from twang to confessional indie-rock, Myers continues to evolve, although subtly. This month she released the first single, “According to the Law,” under her new moniker. It’s the first from an album she made with producer Aaron Stern, “Sensitive Groups,” out June 25. The collection’s musical touchstones may or may not include the likes of Aimee Mann and Jenny Lewis.

On some of the album, Myers looks in her rear-view mirror at her New York days. “According to the Law” reflects on a relationship she had with somebody 15 years her junior. “By the time you’re in your prime I’m gonna be an old lady / But I’m in my prime today so let’s do it anyway,” she sings amid memories such as “Riding on the J Train / listening to Bad Brains …”

“We had something very special,” says Myers of the song’s inspiration. “But I convinced myself that it was ‘wrong’ so I ended it. Looking back, it was one of the most special connections I have ever had with someone. And I wonder what could have happened if I didn’t let societal norms get in the way of my feelings.”

||| Stream: “According to the Law”