Waxahatchee Mulls Over Relationship Woes in New Single ‘Mud’

Waxahatchee’s reign over Americana continues with the release of her new single ‘Mud’, an outtake from her excellent 2024 album ‘Tigers Blood’. Coming off of a nod at last week’s Grammy Awards and a newly announced summer tour with Willie Nelson, Bob Dylan, and Sheryl Crow, Katie Crutchfield is keeping her project’s the momentum going with the new, spirited single.

‘Mud’ describes a complicated relationship between Crutchfield and a partner over a peppy, poppy, and banjo-laced tune. Despite being billed as an outtake, the single could easily stand among the rest of 'Tigers Blood’, blending perfectly with the bright acoustic twang and bluegrass hooks across the album.

Luckily the fun doesn’t stop there. The single’s two minutes are packed with witty and rhythmic lyrics, easy to miss on the first listen. Crutchfield croons “I’m a fool in angel's clothing / I'm a glutton for being let down” like it’s nothing and quickly quips “You might be stupid but you’re not scared” to round out the final chorus.

Burgeoning slacker-rock star MJ Lenderman joins in with perfectly matched backing vocals and guitar, further complemented by Spencer Tweedy’s drums and vocals. Rounding out the arrangement with the banjo and bass assist are, respectively, Phil Cook and Brad Cook, two ‘Tigers Blood' collaborators.

For those who can’t get enough, ‘Mud’ will be released as a 7” single for Record Store Day on 12 April, along with ‘Much Ado About Nothing’. Waxahatchee also rounds out her tour this year, including a quick stop in the UK for four shows in June.

Michelle McCracken

@mmccrckn

Image: Kevin Morby

If you enjoyed reading this article please consider buying us a coffee. The money from this pot goes towards the ever increasing yearly costs of running and hosting the site, as well as our monthly "Writer Of The Month" article prize.