Keturah Allgood Announces Details of New Album ‘Shine’

Born and raised in the mountains of Western North Carolina, Keturah Allgood is a soulful Americana, queer artist who draws on her myriad of life experiences for inspiration. While traversing the dusty back roads and often forgotten places, she gently taps into the heart and soul of our shared existence, believing that music has the power to bring us together, reminding us that love, kindness and compassion always shine through the darkness of these often trying times.

It’s not easy being a proponent for positivity these days. With the distrust and divide that plagues the populace, finding a reason for optimism seems out of reach for many and even untenable at times. With that in mind, Keturah Allgood deserves both credit and gratitude for attempting to shine some light on an otherwise uncertain scenario. Shine, her emotionally uplifting new album — and her first release in 17 years — does all its title implies, courtesy of songs that offer affirmation, optimism and reason for singular celebration.

She comments:

“I love to express the importance of kindness and compassion. I feel like it is insanely important, especially in today’s toxic and divisive climate, to promote as much love as you can.”

The album, due August 25 on Charlotte Avenue Entertainment, is not only unceasingly uplifting and anthemic, but also part of a musical mantra that Keturah can share from her own personal perspective. Don’t let anyone rob you of your dreams, she declares on the album’s first single, “Sing Baby Sing,” the song that defines the direction of the album overall.

Whether it’s the drive and determination that typifies the title track, the soulful stride and upfront attitude of “Radio” ( Music has the power to tear down these walls, bring us all together, unite our souls…We’re not as different as they’d have us believe) or the reflection and resolve of the shimmering and soulful ballad “Little Girl,” the music takes immediate command, propelled by compelling choruses and the sheer joy that’s expressed in every verse and each of its resilient refrains.

“Rosary Beads,” one of Shine’s focus tracks, is a powerful statement about the need to treat mental health seriously and not ostracize it as has often been the case in the past. The Bluegrass Situation premiered the official music video.

“This song was written in my cabin on my farm where I was living at the time,” Keturah explains. “It was a snowy day and everything outside was beautiful and peaceful. I closed my eyes and this song unfolded like a movie. I could see a young man driving down a southwestern highway with rosary beads hanging on his rearview mirror. He was grappling with his childhood memories which were beautiful, while also trying to come to grips with his current reality, the result of trauma from war and from pain. The movie in my head was beautiful and tragic all at the same time.”

As she suggests, the song is beautifully illuminated and touching in the most tender way. It’s also borne from a very personal perspective.

Shine Track Listing:

1. Radio
2. Down the Line
3. Butterfly Wings
4. Peaceful Warriors
5. Little Girl
6. Beautiful You
7. Shine
8. Sing Baby Sing
9. Love
10. Rosary Beads
11. Jug O’ Shine
12. The Show

Keturah Allgood “Shine” album artwork

Keturah Allgood Tour Dates:

7/21 – Tuckasegee, NC – Bear Lake Reserve
7/22 – Brevard, NC – Brevard College
7/23 – Sylva, NC – Santé Wine Bar
7/30 – Rosman, NC – Headwaters
8/05 – Lake Toxaway, NC – Grand Olde Station
8/06 – Rosman, NC – Headwaters (Forks of the River)
8/11 – Glenville, NC – The Local
8/13 – Rosman, NC – Headwaters (Forks of the River)
8/18 – Nashville, TN – NashHouse (Album release show) [FREE]
8/24 – Brevard, NC – 185 King St. (Album release show)
8/30 – Nashville, TN – Bluebird Cafe
9/02 – Brevard, NC – Transylvania Farmer’s Market
9/03 – Rosman, NC – Headwaters (Forks of the River)
9/14 – Glenville, NC – The Local
9/15 – Nashville, TN – 3rd & Lindsley (WMOT Finally Friday)
9/16 – Brevard, NC – Duckpond Pottery
9/21 – Nashville, TN – Eighth Room (Interstate 88)
9/30 – Asheville, NC – Grey Eagle (Patio)
10/2 – Hendersonville, NC – The 2nd Act
10/6 – Tuckasegee, NC – Bear Lake Reserve
10/21 – Brevard, NC – Transylvania Farmer’s Market