Lydia Luce channels adversity into harmony and transforms survival into tranquility on her third album 'Mammoth,' a deep and personal collection that arises from chronic pain, perseverance, and the welcome of new beginnings. The Nashville singer/songwriter spoke with Atwood Magazine about the journey that inspired her gentle title track, her path to recovery and motherhood, and the insights she carries into her next life chapter.
Stream: “Mammoth” – Lydia Luce
“I want anyone listening to my new album or watching the music videos to feel encouraged to step outside and sit in the grass.”
* * *
“Sounds like the trees, the waves, and a forest stream.”
That’s how someone recently characterized Lydia Luce’s music, which resonates deeply with the Nashville-based singer/songwriter. A lifelong enthusiast of nature and creativity, Luce has consistently discovered her voice in the intersection of the natural world and the human experience. “I want anyone listening to my new album or viewing the music videos to be inspired to step outside and sit in the grass,” she expresses. This aspiration—to connect listeners not only to her narrative but to a greater existence—lies at the heart of her third studio album, *Mammoth*.
*Mammoth* – Lydia Luce
Releasing on October 31st via Tone Tree Music, *Mammoth* serves both as a personal reckoning and a well-earned celebration: a collection that chronicles Lydia Luce’s healing from chronic pain, her acceptance of motherhood, and her achievement of a peace she once doubted she would attain. The album is rich with the sounds of nature, interwoven with field recordings, ambient textures, and songs that reflect on resilience, love, and trust. Central to it all is the title track—a singular memory that symbolizes the broader journey behind the entire album.
I sweat it out on the first ascent
June lake passing to the left of us
Eyes down better watch my step
I need to know how to trust myself
Can you walk me through this?
I was complaining about your worn-out tent
Silver moon shining on our skin
How did you see me through the bitterness?
You held me tight when I needed it
Can you hold me through this?
Can you hold me through this?
– “Mammoth,” Lydia Luce
A delicate, windswept rumination on resilience, “Mammoth” is a dreamy indie folk anthem that ascends slowly and steadily toward illumination. Featuring close-mic’d vocals and gentle acoustic guitar notes, it feels as personal as a whispered prayer and as expansive as the mountain that inspired it. “Felt my heartbeat in my fingertips,” she sings, an expression that resonates like a shiver—a subtle, open moment of surrender that lingers long after the song's conclusion.
Written alongside Collin Pastore and Jake Finch, “Mammoth” originated from a memory of a challenging hike up Mount Ritter in California over a decade ago—yet it carries the emotional gravity of a significant journey: Luce’s recovery from chronic pain and a lengthy period of physical uncertainty. “I sweat it out on the first ascent,” she begins, “June lake passing to the left of us / Eyes down, better watch my step – I need to know how to trust myself.” The lyrics guide us through the climb and the metaphor it embodies: healing not as a straight path but as a winding, arduous ascent—intimidating, exhausting, yet filled with unexpected grace.
“The overwhelming difficulty of the experience has remained with me,” she reflects. “Certain moments simply stick with you.”
I can see it all, I close my eyes
It’s terribly quiet
Closer to Andromeda
I hear my thoughts, they’re coming on
And I begin to fall, feeling dizzy from
The weight of it all
You walk me through this
More than just a recollection, the song has become a reflection of the lessons Luce was learning live: that healing is not linear, that reaching out for support is a form of strength, and that inner tranquility is a journey taken slowly, one step at a time. “The song revolves around the theme of seeking help,” she elaborates. “It’s something I had to learn to do while recovering from my injuries.”
“I thoroughly enjoyed writing this with [Jake and Collin],” Luce shares. “We kept the guitar parts from the day we created it because they were so exceptional! The music video was produced with Jason Lee Denton and Aliegh Shields, and we hiked over 30 miles in the Rocky Mountains, with my husband Ryan helping us along the way. It was an extraordinarily magical time in nature with friends. I’m grateful that we have this video as a time capsule to commemorate it.”
Functionally, the music video encapsulates the essence of the song: an affirmation of perseverance, companionship, and the beauty of relying
Texan singer Kim Cruse has released a music video for her latest single, 'It's Giving'. She was born and raised in Woodville, where she grew up immersed in music.
Balu Brigada has released their debut album 'Portal' in its entirety. The group's foundation relies on the strong creative collaboration between brothers Henry and Pierre Beasley.
For Port Ross, dying resembles a visit to the DMV; it's something he has to face eventually, but it’s likely to be unenjoyable. While he lingers in the lengthy line of life’s DMV, Port Ross shares with us his final will and testament: “For My Young Death.” Delving into the perpetual specter of 'the end,' he conveys his whimsical skillfulness and highlights the significance of human relationships.
It was Friday, August 22, 2025. More significantly, it was the Friday prior to the Notting Hill Carnival, and I was driving to Longleat Safari Park with my 5-year-old.
Brazilian-Norwegian composer, producer, and vocalist Charlotte Dos Santos makes her highly anticipated comeback with ‘Pot of Gold,’ her first release since 2022.
Jerry Cantrell, the founding guitarist of Alice In Chains and a solo artist, brought his ‘I Want Blood’ tour to the House of Blues Anaheim on August 17. Every moment was filled with grit, grunge, and the exceptional quality that only a legendary figure can deliver.
Lydia Luce turns struggles into music and survival into peace on her third album, ‘Mammoth,’ which is an expansive yet personal work inspired by chronic pain, resilience, and the acceptance of new beginnings. The Nashville-based singer/songwriter spoke with Atwood Magazine about the experiences that inspired the gentle title track, her path to healing and motherhood, and the insights she plans to take into the next phase of her life.