The toll that a new release can take on an artist, as well as the planning and promotion that goes into a recording, is often not understood by those who are not involved in the music industry. It’s not all rainbows and unicorns. It’s often a hard slog and unless you’re the likes of Taylor Swift with an army of a team to help you, independent artists or those on a small label, are left doing the work.
After releasing their 2024 EP, On the List, the Connecticut duo of Turkey Vulture, Jessie May and Jim Clegg, decided to take a step back in 2025. As Jessie said,
I was feeling overwhelmed with our planned recordings and the prospect of promoting things all over again.
But life can be serendipitous and when both she and Jim had the same day off, they met in Bonehead Studios where On the List was recorded and while working on a heavier and live version of “Jill The Ripper,” their latest “Dead to Me” was born.
“Dead to Me” is the kind of song that feels like it was meant to be played in a dimly lit bar, with its folk-driven grit and no-frills authenticity. Written after an evening spent learning “Whiskey in My Whiskey” by The Felice Brothers, the influence is clear. This track carries that same straightforward storytelling charm, but with a bite.
The off-the-cuff energy and spontaneity bleed into the track, giving it a raw, lived-in feel. Instead of over-polishing, it leans into its natural imperfections and captures the essence of a live performance. The stripped-down instrumentation keeps things direct and allows the lyrics and melody to take center stage.
Folk grit and spontaneous energy make this one hit hard. “Dead to Me” proves that sometimes the best music comes from instinct rather than over-planning. It’s simple, sharp, and unfiltered. It’s a song that doesn’t need embellishment to make an impact.
Art by Jim Clegg
