Girl To Country: A Memoir
Broken-down vehicles. Premenopausal libido. A punk rock-loving teen to share the culture shock with. I don't think Hank done it this way.
A few years after her 1996 breakthrough album Diary Of A Mod Housewife, singer/songwriter Amy Rigby is still figuring out who she is. Closing in on forty, a newly-divorced mom trying to tour, work temp jobs, and keep a car running, Amy is ready for a change. She trades her beloved NYC for Nashville, where she navigates music, men and motherhood to learn the hard way that outside validation is no substitute for self-belief.
Following on from her acclaimed debut GIRL TO CITY—where Amy fumbled her way to becoming an artist in late twentieth century NYC—GIRL TO COUNTRY depicts the tricky second act of a creative life, after the coming of age and first flash of achievement. Just like with her GIRL TO CITY podcast, each week Amy reads a chapter from her second memoir and adds some music.
From one of America’s enduring underground artists known for her honest, kinetic songwriting, Girl To Country is a touching, clear-eyed journey full of unexpected detours. Come along for the ride.
Episodes
16 episodes
Chapter Fifteen
Going out of print...the end of one thing and the beginning of another.My daughter's growing up, how does that work?Song in this episode from Til The Wheels ...
Chapter Fourteen
Homeownership, the world changed; van trouble and playing anywaySongs in this episode (What's So Funny `Bout) Peace Love & Understanding live Sept 21, 2001Don't Ever Change April 24, 2026
Chapter Thirteen
Farewell to a forefather; ciao Roma; keeping onTracks in this episode:Flashback from Girl To CityBabysitterRode Hard from The Sugar TreeThanks for listening!
Chapter Twelve
Still hanging out at the artist door - late night TV, lots of touring; Patti Smith's backstage rider.Songs in this episode: Cynically Yours live on Late Night with Conan O'BrienThey Don't Know live at Village Un...
Chapter Eleven
Songwriting in Nashville: writing dates, song demos; publisher and friendsTracks in this episode:Keep It To Yourself demo and cassette tape discussion with co-writer Bill DeMainOne More Time cassette demo - Joy Lynn ...
Chapter Ten
Dip top cones, John Prine, Whole Wide World and a family slide showLive recording of Cynically Yours (circa...2003?)Rode Hard from The Sugar TreeThanks for listening!
Chapter Nine
Ups and downs of my first UK tour, back in the year 2000Includes a clip of Wait Til I Get You Home from The Sugar Tree and a little interview snippet, from an archive recording of The Tom Morton Show on BBC Radio ScotlandRode Hard...
Chapter Eight
A music convention in Cleveland circa 2000 and the Beachland; summer in Nashville; love with a drummerTracks in this episode20 Questions and Give The Drummer Some from I've Got The World On A Broken StringRode Hard from The...
Chapter Seven
Making an album in Nashville circa 2000 with a talented bunch of players; aiming for the heights but falling a little short with the cover photo shoot.Songs in this episode from The Sugar TreeYou Better Stay GoneLet Me In A...
Chapter Six
Touring with Warren Zevon; Skeeter at the Opry; seeing in Y2K back in Brooklyn; getting it together to make a new albumSongs in this episode:Reconsider Me live at The Space Hamden CT Everything's Different Now r...
Chapter Five
The challenges of adjusting to Nashville 1999, and a few of the benefits tooSongs in this episode:The Good Girls (from Diary of a Mod Housewife)Always With Me (from Little Fugitive)Rode Hard (from The Sugar ...
Chapter Four
Leaving New York City for Nashville the hot summer of 1999 - can you say car trouble?Songs in this episodeThe Purgatory Principle - live recording circa `93, Faulkner Dylan Heinz & MeBargain Bin - original Last R...
Chapter Three
Love - a major inspiration and near-constant distraction.In the round at the Bluebird, oh lord I want to be in that number.Songs in this episode:Magicians demoRode Hard from The Sugar TreeThanks for listening!...
Chapter Two
A nice guy from Springfield...The road is long and the struggle is eternal1998 - Still looking at Nashville and Making MiddlescenceA cat named James and a smart kidSongs in this episode:Snippet from Sleeping W...