It’s been a long four years for Sera Cahoone, but her latest release is well worth the wait. Following her 2009 Sub Pop debut, Only As the Day Is Long, the Seattle singer-songwriter returns with Deer Creek Canyon—an exceptional and seasoned record that balances nostalgic melancholy with willful optimism. The former drummer of Band of Horses and Carissa’s Wierd, Cahoone has dedicated her energy to a solo career that brings a genuine voice to today’s Americana music scene. Deer Creek Canyon shows growth and patience and has already been noticed by NPR and Rolling Stone. But the album didn't come without some nicked fingers and heartache.

In 2009, Cahoone endured a painful breakup coupled with a severe case of touring burnout. "I kind of went into hiding and didn't want to do much except pick away at my drums," Cahoone said. "But I'm definitely in a different place now." Luckily, she also had some material saved up to give her a jumpstart. Cahoone actually began writing "Naked"—the album’s first single—16 years ago, shortly after she left her home state of Colorado for soggy Seattle. She was at the height of her twentysomething angst and insecurity; returning to the song now that she’s adjusted to life here seemed fitting, like an opportunity to explore her polyamorous sense of home. “Deer Creek Canyon,” the title track, is a mature ode to Colorado that croons longingly for her home state, while simultaneously acknowledging her devotion to Seattle. “I know someday that I want to go back, like leaving the city for the open country and everything,” Cahoone said. “But I’m still very happy where I’m at. My heart is split into two places.”

Regardless of the trouble she’s had, Cahoone’s new record has an uplifting quality to it. She attributes this to a recent personal transformation—after realizing, in life and in music, “Whatever happens, happens.” Producer Thom Monahan meshed well with this laissez-faire philosophy, allowing Cahoone to relax her self-proclaimed “control freak” tendencies when it came to recording. The result is an album that showcases Cahoone’s remarkable vocals while remaining true to the beauty of Jeff Fielder’s banjo and Jason Kardong’s pedal steel guitar.

Cahoone celebrates Deer Creek Canyon’s release and the beginning of her U.S. tour on October 26 at the Neptune. There may even be some holiday hijinks, as Cahoone teased: “It’s close to Halloween, so you never know what will happen.”

Sera Cahoone
Oct 26 at 9, Neptune Theatre, $13–$15