Americana/Folk artist Ismay (Avery Hellman) was in a Lucinda Williams cover band started by their father early in her adult life. As a singer-songwriter herself, the musician, rancher and self-identified “dreamer” went looking for more understanding of the legendary singer-songwriter and produced an outstanding documentary called Finding Lucinda.
The film documents their journey of more self-discovery than anything else, but their interviews and path to learn more about Lucinda led them to understand Williams grew up the daughter of, and surrounded by poets. The result, besides the beautifully done film, was Hellman decided to learn to write poetry.
Those learnings and evolution in their artistry led to their next big project – a new album called Half Truth, due out June 12th on Fossil Records.
Frank and Falls chatted with Hellman about the film, Lucinda Williams, poetry, and the new album on this week’s episode of Roots Music Rambler. The trio also discussed Fossil Records, a new label co-founded by Hellman and friend of the show Margo Cilker (see Episode 35).
There was a lot to cover and unpack with Hellman’s journey and art. Give the full episode a watch or listen. You’ll enjoy it.
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Buckle up for The Hoe-Down and the Throw-Down! It’s a new episode of Roots Music Rambler.
Notes and links:
– Finding Lucinda (film) – https://www.findinglucindafilm.com/
– Ismay Online – https://www.ismaymusic.com/
– Ismay on Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/artist/77sFDwywxshHFqKu6rVXIp?si=i8hsjBPXTgqJA_RC9WPzog
– Ismay on Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/ismaymusic/
– David LaMotte on Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/artist/6AhIniN8IQAPWsCtEoGnqV?si=9WaSYaawQSu_28JsGI2qBw
– Roots Music Rambler Episode 12 – Does Wilco Suck? – https://rootsmusic.link/doeswilcosuck
– Fossil Records – https://fossilrecordsco.com/
– Roots Music Rambler interview with Margo Cilker – https://rootsmusic.link/margocilker
– The Roots Music Rambler Store – https://rootsmusicrambler.com/store
– Roots Music Rambler on YouTube – https://youtube.com/@rootsmusicrambler
– Roots Music Rambler on Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/rootsmusicrambler/
– Roots Music Rambler on TikTok – https://www.tiktok.com/@rootsmusicrambleon
– Roots Music Rambler on Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/RootsMusicRambler
– Jason Falls on Instagram – https://instagram.com/jasonfalls
– Jason Falls on TikTok – https://tiktok.com/@thejasonfalls
– Francesca Folinazzo on Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/workmomtravels/
Pickin’ the Grinnin’ Choices
– Charley Pride on Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/artist/69Fk1s1lzINOKqoSWjjEiE?si=enYnofvaQBaW0vTa-MYvtA
– Kind Hearted Strangers on Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/artist/1lZYp35BLl5W33fC5jCuwN?si=DZOacxYERbG143ECTljzsQ
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Theme Music: Sheepskin & Beeswax by Genticorum; Copyright 2026 – Falls+Partners. All music on the program is licensed by ASCAP, BMI and SESAC. Roots Music Rambler is a member of the Americana Music Association.
