After 29 years of marriage, Miko Marks found herself facing an unfamiliar future. But somewhere amid the uncertainty, there was the realization that not knowing exactly where you’re headed may not be so bad. That revelation is at the heart of “It’s Alright,” a simmering blues track from the Oakland, Calif.-based singer/songwriter’s new album, Hell Or High Water (Redtone).
“We wanted one of those single-chord things like ‘Shake Your Hips,’ ‘Boogie Chillen’ or ‘La Grange’—something in that vein,” says Marks. “The first thing I ever sang over the groove was the line, ‘I ain’t gonna worry … It’s alright.’”
A native of Flint, Mich., Marks initially headed to Nashville, releasing Freeway Bound in 2005 and It Feels Good two years later. There was critical recognition and appearances at CMA Fest. But the more conventional side of the industry could never quite figure out her roots-focused approach, and 14 years passed before Marks released 2021’s Our Country. Her reboot was in full swing with the following year’s Feel Like Going Home, which reached the top 10 on the Americana charts and helped earn her a spot on the Grand Ole Opry stage. Since then, Marks has been a festival regular while sharing live bills with the likes of Tedeschi Trucks Band and Little Feat.
Perhaps it’s no surprise that Hell Or High Water fully embraces the blues. Produced by longtime collaborator Justin Phipps and written by the two of them, the music follows a period of considerable personal upheaval that eventually led to sobriety for Marks.
“During the time ‘It’s Alright’ was written, I was going through a time of transition and big change,” says Marks. “I found myself learning how to navigate life on my own, and there are moments when I question what’s next and where my path will lead. It reminds me that I can trust that everything is being revealed exactly as it should.”
We’re proud to premiere Miko Marks’ “It’s Alright.” Hell Or High Water is out tomorrow.
—Hobart Rowland
See Miko Marks live.
