If anyone is fit to cover what Americana means today, it’s folk singer-songwriter Alynda Segarra, who grew up in a Puerto Rican family in the Bronx, came of age as a punk poet on the Lower East Side, rode the rails across the country, landed in a street band in New Orleans, and emerged as one of America’s best songwriters. Their autobiographical ninth album, released this year, pushes the boundaries of the genre, of gender, of time.

Photos by Tommy Kha

 
 

October 24, 2024

TBS: Alynda! Where do you live? Where are you right now? 

AS: Right now, I’m about to leave for the airport and my tour in Europe. And, hmmm, I really do live on the road. Always. So actually, I live in a van. [Laughs.] I love being in transition, but also I look forward to finding that spot when the time comes. [TBS immediately goes into chamber of commerce mode selling our hometown of Athens, Georgia — perfect little music town where Alynda might live as a famous person without anyone bothering them. Not sure if we made any headway. Stay tuned.]

TBS: Somewhere a reporter called your new record, The Past Is Still Alive, the “record of your life.” How does that feel?

AS: It’s a little weird, honestly. I’m not dead! I sincerely hope I have 20 more records in me! The Past Is Still Alive is for sure my best work, but I’ve loved all my records. They’ve all been my truth at the time. 

 
 
 

Photo by Tommy Kha

 
 
 

TBS: There’s a lot going on in the world right now. Is there a track on The Past Is Still Alive that feels very #fall2024 ?

AS: Two songs come to mind. If we’re reckoning with our history and thinking about how our country was formed, and also how we might envision a future — I would say The Past Is Still Alive’s title track, “Snake Plant,” and probably “Colossus of Roads” because it’s about my healing and our country’s healing. Healing.

“Say goodbye to America, I want to see it dissolve,
I can’t be a poster boy for the great American fall …
Maybe we could smile again, maybe we could dance again.
I was young when I left home, I never stopped runnin’
Used to think I was alone, nothing will stop me now …
Nothing can stop me now.” 

[TBS: We really love those “Colossus of Roads” lyrics.]

This record is about saying goodbye to old ways, older parts of my life, to people I miss. I want this album to be a companion for anyone going through grief and healing. I hope it provides comfort and solace to people who might need it.

TBS: What would you like people to know?

AS: So much has been written about me — that I was a train kid, about my running away. I would love for people to focus on my songwriting. It’s why I’m on this earth. Songwriting is why I am. Some people do want to ask about gender, but I think they’re afraid they might say the wrong thing or ask about it in the wrong way, and they usually chicken out. Just so everyone knows, it feels pretty great to be 37 and just happy to be living in this body.

TBS: Can we talk about that badass tomato-red suit? And is that a Stetson?

AS: Yes! The Stetson is vintage and I love it, but the real story is the suit. We hired stylist Elizabeth Warn in Los Angeles, and she really helped me build a character. Sort of sad boy rebel. And here’s the cool thing, the suit belonged to Donny Osmond. Yes, apparently young Donny and I are the exact same size.  ◊