Powerhouse country soul singer/songwriter Nalani Rothrock and her partner-in-life and music, guitarist/songwriter Josh Lamkin have worked hard, and then harder, to push through. “Try” is about perseverance, resilience, love and moving in a positive direction.
Both of the Florida natives got an early start in music. By 12, Rothrock was gigging with her father’s band, and Lamkin’s own father taught him to play guitar when he was six; he performed at his family’s church and was playing professional secular gigs by 15.
The two met nearly a decade ago when they shared a bill: Rothrock was performing with her father and Lamkin was leading his blues band. Soon they were making music together, performing in Florida before moving to Nashville two years ago.
With “Try,” a tasty hybrid of country, soul and pop, Rothrock’s Southern-accented singng and Lamkin’s slide guitar combine in a good-natured roll despite lyrics about the tests love presents.”Try” also showcases Lamkin’s gospel roots and their mutual love for classic blues and rhythm-and-blues.
Rothrock told Elmore, “This is a song Joshua Lamkin and I wrote after moving away from our hometown to come to Nashville. There were some days when we would feel the forces of opposition weighing us down. ‘Try’ was born out of one of those hard days. It was our answer to the little thing inside all of us that creeps in to say ‘you can’t.’ There will always be that moment—in your relationship, in your career, in life—that’s going to make you wonder if it’s all worth it… It might seem easier to just give it up. But it is the willingness to keep pushing, even when it hurts, that allows for something beautiful to take place. It’s worth it to try.”
Although Rothrock is top-billed, she and Lamkin are very much a pair. “Because our connection is so deep,” Lamkin said of their songwriting, “we can be our complete selves with each other during the writing process. These songs wouldn’t be there without him, or without me.”
Learn more about Nalani Rothrck HERE
Be the first to comment!