A southern belle raisin’ hell… my kind of girl.
Today, up-and-coming artist and Georgia native Willow Avalon released her debut album Southern Belle Raisin’ Hell, which includes previously released songs like “Tequila and Whiskey,” “Homewrecker,” and “Hey There, Dolly.”
In terms of her back story, Avalon was raised in rural Georgia, and began playing piano in church and taught herself guitar at age 12. From there, she took to songwriting and eventually left home at 15 and spent a brief period living in her car before making her way to California.
Now based in New York City, Willow writes, plays and produces her own music, has already amassed over 15 million streams across platforms in just the last two months… which just means fans are already loving her music, and after the release of her full-length album today, I think she’s off to the races, so to speak, in terms of her career and continuing to grow a loyal and dedicate fanbase.
In terms of her sound, she’s country to the core, but incorporates folk and even some rock elements, as well. Of course, when your first word is “Elvis,” that’s completely natural, and really, expected. Part of what makes her so unique is her vintage, throwback look that is also very present in her music, that is contrasted by her punchy, hard-hitting lyrics that pack a punch full of honesty and authenticity in every song.
Willow’s voice has a pure, twangy voice and noticeable bleat, which certainly sets her apart from any other current country artist I can think of now, and is much more reminiscent of legends like Loretta Lynn, which is a compliment of the highest order.
The music on Southern Belle Raisin’ Hell feels so true to who she is, and after you listen just one time through, you’ll quickly realize exactly who Willow is, what makes her happy, what makes her sad, and most importantly… what really ticks her off. She doesn’t hold back and is completely, unapologetically herself, which is equally refreshing as it is relatable and endears the listener to really connect and listen to the words that have poured straight from her heart.
It’s hard for me to pick a favorite, though I’ve loved “Hey There, Dolly” for a while now, but that’s just scratching the surface of what this southern belle raisin’ hell has to offer. The title track also speaks to me deeply as a southern girl too, and tracks like “The Actor” and “Damned” find her admitting what’s gone wrong in past relationships that most anyone can probably relate to.
One thing is crystal clear, though, in that Willow is a star, with talent in spades, and who has a long future ahead of her for her pure talent and songwriting savvy that, together, make a lethal combination that puts her in a league of her own.
To do all of that in a debut record is a feat, to say the very least, and the 25-year-old rising star has a long career ahead of her and I’m excited to see where this album takes her. The one thing I do know, though, is that when there’s a southern belle raisin’ any kind of hell, it’s best to just get of her way and watch the magic unfold.
With Willow Avalon, that magic is a stunning album that will undoubtedly stand the test of time. Do yourself a favor and check it out, and I’ll leave a few of my favorites below too.
“Hey There, Dolly”
“Southern Belle Raisin’ Hell”
“The Actor”
“Damned”
“Good Morning, Goodbye”
Southern Belle Raisin’ Hell Tracklist:
1. Runs in the Family
2. Something We Regret
3. Homewrecker
4. Yodelayheewho (feat. Maggie Antone)
5. Baby Blue
6. Country Never Leaves
7. Tequila or Whiskey
8. The Actor
9. Southern Belle Raisin’ Hell
10. Gettin’ Rich, Goin’ Broke
11. Hey There, Dolly
12. Want Me Now
13. Damned
14. Good Morning, Goodbye
Willow Avalon 2025 Tour Dates:
January 30 /// Philadelphia, PA /// The Foundry
January 31 /// Washington, D.C. /// The Atlantis
February 1 /// Richmond, VA /// Richmond Music Hall
February 3 /// Charlotte, NC /// Neighborhood Theatre
February 4 /// Durham, NC /// Motorco Music Hall
February 6 /// Athens, GA /// 40 Watt
February 7 /// Nashville, TN /// Exit/In
February 8 /// St. Louis, MO /// Off Broadway
February 10 /// Indianapolis, IN /// Hi-Fi
February 11 /// Columbus, OH /// A&R Bar
February 12 /// Cleveland, OH /// Grog Shop
February 14 /// Detroit, MI /// El Club
February 15 /// Toronto, ON /// Horseshoe Tavern
February 16 /// Montreal, QB /// Bar La Ritz
February 18 /// Hamden, CT /// Space Ballroom
February 19 /// Boston, MA /// The Sinclair
February 20 /// New York, NY /// Bowery Ballroom
March 10 /// Manchester, U.K. /// Academy 3
March 11 /// Birmingham, U.K. /// O2 Institute2
March 12 /// London, U.K. /// Neon
March 14 /// London, U.K. /// Country to Country
March 16 /// Glasgow, U.K. /// Country to Country
March 18 /// Glasgow, U.K. /// Oran Mor Auditorium
March 20 /// Belfast, U.K. /// The Limelight 2
March 21 /// Dublin, IE /// Opium
April 4 /// New Orleans, LA /// Hogs for the Cause
April 6 /// Georgetown, TX /// Two Step Inn
May 10 /// Knoxville, TN /// Southern Skies
July 20 /// Whitefish, Montana /// Under the Big Sky Festival