Blending a country twang with the gnarling undertones of rock, the works of Lady Dan provide the perfect get up and go tonic for those wanting to lose themselves in adventure. Intimate, yet never lacking in grandeur, Tyler Dozier aka Lady Dan’s music invokes a sort of musical healing – where the powers draw as much on the charm of Texan rhythm as they do self-reflection.

Ahead of her new single, I am the Prophet, out on Feb 11th via Earth Libraries, we caught up with Alabama born/Austin based artist to delve into where she draws influence for her art.

These are her Sound & Vision picks:

Three albums I love:

James Taylor – Greatest hits

This was an album my father had on CD. I grew up listening to it, but only came to really appreciate it in my twenties. Now I’m die-hard for James Taylor and his lyrical sentiments. I got to see him perform live a few years back, and sobbed through the entire opening song (Carolina in My Mind). I have to be picky about when I listen to this record, because it is both incredibly euphoric and extremely painful for me to listen to. Best enjoyed while crying on the cold, hard floor alone.

Laura Marling – Short Movie

It is extremely difficult for me to choose a favourite album from Laura Marling. I’ve been a super fan since I was sixteen. However, this record in particular was her first trek into the world of electric guitar, and a window into her personal world on a level that really resonated with the way I also see the world. In interviews, I’ve learned this has been her least favourite album of her discography. I think it’s important for all artists to understand that our least valued works could be someone else’s favourite thing we’ve ever done. It is best enjoyed on a sunset drive in the desert.

Dry the River – Shallow Bed

This album is a bit of a throw back for me, but I can’t deny the repeat spins I’ve put it through. I’ll never not enjoy listening to this record – Peter Liddle is one of my favourite lyricists of all time. I’m devastated that I’ll never get the chance to see this band perform live. This album is best enjoyed on a 12+ hour drive just as you’re getting too sleepy. 10/10 singing, ‘I loved you in the best way possible’ will give you the energy you need to keep going.

One film I love:

Ari Aste – Hereditary 

I think this is the scariest movie I have ever seen. I remember seeing it in theaters, and begging my friend to sleep in my bed with me that same night (she did, thank god). I love viewing it with others for their first time and seeing the shock and disgust on their faces. I love this movie for the way that Aster approaches composition, amongst his other visual skills. This film also really fills my intrigue for occult and historical accuracies. And for those who have seen it, I love to discuss whether the ending was a positive resolve or not… (I think it was).

One book I love:

Ingrid Croce – I Got a Name: The Jim Croce Story 

I read this book when I first moved to Austin, and didn’t yet have a social circle. It kept me good company by the way I couldn’t put it down. I did, however, prolong finishing the book because I wasn’t ready to read of Croce’s death and have to say goodbye to the life of an artist I highly regard in my mind. I most enjoy reading of the lives of other musicians as a way to understand my own journey in the industry. It calms my nerves to see the different paces each artist blooms at. I’m only 25 now, but in my head I’m 89 and running out of time.

A song that is important to me:

James Taylor & Carly Simon – You Can Close Your Eyes  

(Specifically this video below)