Emily Hines’ “Cowgirl Suit”: A Bittersweet Anthem for a Broken Relationship

Photo Credit: Ellie Carr (IG: @elliecarr.photography)

Emily Hines’ latest single, “Cowgirl Suit,” is a striking blend of personal reflection and cultural critique, standing at the intersection of heartfelt songwriting and poignant social commentary. As the lead single from her forthcoming debut album These Days, Hines positions herself as an artist unafraid to dive into the murky waters of complicated emotions—especially those that arise from a broken heart.

“Cowgirl Suit” was born out of frustration and introspection following a "sort-of break up." The artist recounts being labeled “too bitter towards the church,” a comment that struck a nerve. Rather than an indictment of faith, Hines’ response in the form of this song is a nuanced exploration of her feelings toward American evangelicalism and the often manipulative behaviors that masquerade as love.

“At its core, ‘Cowgirl Suit’ is just an earnest letter filled with all the things I was too scared to say at the time.”

— Emily Hines

This emotional honesty Hines’ recalls pervades both the song’s lyrics and its delivery, making it a standout track not just for its content but also for its authenticity.

Raised on a small farm in rural Ohio, Hines’ roots in folk and country music run deep. Drawing influence from artists like Norah Jones, Feist, Adrienne Lenker, and Karen Dalton, she has crafted a sound that feels both timeless and distinctively her own. Hines spent years releasing music under various monikers throughout high school and college, gradually building the confidence to release under her given name starting in 2020. Now based in Nashville, Hines has cultivated a strong sense of cohesion in her sound through constant collaboration and performance, a journey that is evident in the careful attention to detail throughout These Days.

In “Cowgirl Suit,” Hines’ lyricism shines with a conversational ease that feels raw but never unpolished. Lines like, “I’m just honest about what I hate / and I won’t stay to satiate those who profit from my pain” encapsulate the song’s core tension—Hines wrestles with the expectations of a relationship, both personal and spiritual, while reclaiming her own sense of self. This is not just a breakup song; it’s a declaration of boundaries. The emotional complexity deepens when Hines sings, “I’m sorry if I wasted your time / I don’t think I wasted mine,” a stark and unapologetic admission of self-worth, which elevates the track beyond traditional confessional songwriting.

Her vocal performance on “Cowgirl Suit” is a masterclass in understated emotion—she doesn’t rely on vocal gymnastics to communicate her feelings, but instead, she uses subtlety to draw the listener in. The vulnerability is palpable, creating an atmosphere that feels more like an intimate confession than a performance. As the song unfolds, Hines transitions from personal heartbreak to a broader cultural lament, skillfully weaving together her disillusionment with both a past relationship and the institutional church.

The production, helmed by Henry Park and supported by Jeff Carroll’s mastering, perfectly complements the song’s themes. Recorded live on a four-track and later layered with contributions from friends, “Cowgirl Suit” retains a natural, almost homespun charm. The organic feel of the recording is a breath of fresh air in an industry often obsessed with perfection. This approach creates a sense of warmth and immediacy, making the listener feel as though they are sitting in on the recording session, hearing the song come to life in real time.

Hines’ choice to lead with “Cowgirl Suit” as the debut single from These Days was a wise one. It encapsulates the album’s core themes of personal growth, relationships, and disillusionment while offering a glimpse into the larger narrative. The song’s sonic landscape—delicate yet purposeful—evokes a nostalgic feeling, reminiscent of a time when music had the power to provoke thought without the noise of modern-day distractions.

Perhaps the most poignant moment of the song comes in the final verse, where Hines delivers the line: “Don’t pray for me / I’m as safe as can be.” In these closing words, Hines asserts her autonomy, rejecting the well-meaning but often intrusive spiritual interventions that can come from those who believe they know better. It’s a bold statement of self-assurance, not of bitterness, but of clarity.

Following the release of “Cowgirl Suit,” Hines recently rolled out two more singles—sister tracks “All Of Our Friends” and “Callin Ya” — further evidence that These Days is poised to be a deeply reflective and musically rich work of art.

Hines will be opening for Brother Elsey at Cannery Hall in Nashville this November, and there’s no doubt that “Cowgirl Suit” will resonate powerfully in a live setting, drawing listeners into the intimate yet universal emotions that define her work.

In a time where much of modern music is consumed and forgotten in the span of a day, Emily Hines' “Cowgirl Suit” feels like reconnecting with an old friend. It’s a song that invites repeated listens, each one revealing new layers of depth. As the lead-in to her debut album, it sets the stage for Hines to become a compelling voice in the singer-songwriter world — one that is as introspective as it is resonant.

Follow Emily on Instagram: @emilyhiines

Indie-Folk Musician "Wrists Don't Work" Overcomes Adversity to Release Captivating Demo EP "Post Pigeon Killing Event"

Photo Credit: Noah Reilly (IG: @goseenoah)

Cincinnati, OH – July 12, 2024 – Today marks a significant milestone in the indie-folk music scene as "Wrists Don't Work," the moniker of Cincinnati-based musician Angus Mowry, releases his debut demo EP titled "Post Pigeon Killing Event."

This four-track collection, released under the independent label Godspeed, Buddy Records, showcases Mowry's unique sound and remarkable talent, despite a rare birth defect that affects his wrist movement.

Mowry moments before opening for Timothy Edward Carpenter and Chester at “Madison Live!” in Covington, Kentucky.(2024)

A Unique Journey of Resilience and Creativity

Angus Mowry's journey to becoming "Wrists Don't Work" is a story of resilience and creativity. Born with a rare birth defect that prevents him from turning his wrists in either direction, Mowry faced an uphill battle in his pursuit of music. This condition, however, did not deter him from learning to play the guitar and piano, developing an unconventional but highly distinctive playing style. His guitar technique, with his left hand moving over the top of the neck, has become a signature element of his performances, adding a unique visual and auditory dimension to his music.

Mowry, now 21, has always dreamed of being a singer-songwriter. His determination and passion for music have driven him to overcome physical limitations and embrace his individuality. "I play guitar funny," Mowry often says, but his "funny" style has captivated listeners and set him apart in the indie-folk genre.

"Post Pigeon Killing Event" – A Raw and Emotive Debut

The demo EP "Post Pigeon Killing Event" is a testament to Mowry's raw talent and emotive storytelling. The four tracks are sonically reminiscent of Hovvdy's early demo records, characterized by lo-fi production and intentionally out-of-sync guitar layers. Mowry's vocal performance is raw and deeply emotive, expressing his personal stories with a sincerity that resonates deeply with listeners.

Each track on the EP offers a glimpse into Mowry's world, blending poignant lyrics with his unique musical style. The intentional imperfections in the recordings create an intimate atmosphere, inviting listeners to experience the music in its purest form. Mowry's ability to convey deep emotions through his unconventional playing and heartfelt vocals makes "Post Pigeon Killing Event" a compelling introduction to his artistry.

A Promising Future For Wrists Don’t Work

"Post Pigeon Killing Event" is released under the independent Cincinnati-based label Godspeed, Buddy Records, a partnership that underscores the local support for emerging talent. The label, known for nurturing independent artists, believes in Mowry's potential and is committed to helping him realize his musical vision.

"The demo EP will act as a predecessor to my first official album release expected mid-2025," says Mowry. This upcoming album promises to build on the foundation laid by the demo EP, offering a more polished yet equally authentic exploration of his musical identity.

At just 21 years old, Angus Mowry is at the beginning of what promises to be an extraordinary musical journey. His ability to transform personal challenges into a source of inspiration is a testament to his resilience and creativity. "Wrists Don't Work" is not just a stage name; it embodies Mowry's unique approach to music and life, turning what some might see as a limitation into a distinctive strength.

The release of "Post Pigeon Killing Event" marks the start of a new chapter for Mowry, one that is filled with potential and promise. With his unique sound, emotive storytelling, and the support of Godspeed, Buddy Records, Mowry is poised to make a significant impact on the indie-folk music scene.

About Wrists Don't Work

Wrists Don't Work is the musical project of Angus Mowry, a 21-year-old indie-folk musician based in Cincinnati, Ohio. Born with a rare birth defect that prevents him from turning his wrists, Mowry has developed a unique guitar playing style that sets him apart. His debut demo EP, "Post Pigeon Killing Event," showcases his raw talent and emotive storytelling, drawing comparisons to early Hovvdy records and the songwriting of Postal Service. Mowry is currently working on his first official album, set for release in mid-2025.

About Godspeed, Buddy Records

Godspeed, Buddy Records is an independent record label based in Cincinnati, Ohio, founded by singer-songwriter Timothy Edward Carpenter dedicated to supporting and promoting emerging artists.

With a focus on fostering creativity and individuality, the label provides a platform for musicians to share their unique voices with the world. The release of Wrists Don't Work's debut demo EP, "Post Pigeon Killing Event," marks the beginning of a promising collaboration between the label and the talented young artist.

Follow wrists don’t work on social media:

Instagram: @wristsdontwork