Brand New Day gives voice to a generation of professional women balancing career, relationships, and motherhood. The album provides a window into the life of women who seek fulfillment in a complex world. Musically, the collection is heartland rock with threads of folk, country, and pop weaving their way into Lord's smooth signature sound. Her style is reminiscent of a cross between Bob Seger and Mary Chapin Carpenter. Striking vocals, an upbeat vibe, organic instrumentation, and distinctive harmonies bolster Lord's captivating lyrics. This album leaves you touched, moved, and inspired. Mark Hallman recorded and produced Brand New Day at The Congress House Studio in Austin, Texas. Among his list of production credits include a 2004 Grammy-nominated album with Eliza Gilkyson, a gold album with Carole King, and sound engineering and mentoring for indie-music icon Ani DiFranco. Brand New Day immediately draws you in with quot;One Day at a Time.quot; This upbeat song was inspired by Emily's realization that she would soon become a mother; acknowledging that motherhood, of course, would forever change and enrich her life. quot;We put 'One Day at a Time' first because it was the defining experience in my life at the time of the recording and continues to be. This song isn't about the idealized concept of motherhood - it is about acknowledging the joy, love, insecurity, excitement, and anxiety that comes with wondering, 'what did I get myself into?' Like other new moms, I worried about whether I was up for it.quot; In a riveting musical build, Lord speaks to the child growing inside of her: quot;There is something you should know; I can be so selfish and blind. But you must know that by now and despite it all your soul chose mine. If anyone can change me, I think maybe it's you. I swear from this day forward I will live to be worthy of you - one day at a time.quot; The album also explores other themes of friendship, career changes, and love. quot;Hey Joequot; reaches out to a friend in need and let's her know that she isn't alone in her struggle to come to terms with new changes in her life. In quot;The Way,quot; Emily reveals with brutal honesty the depths of her own struggle to follow her passion by choosing a career in music. quot;I knew instinctively that this path would be harder. But if it was a choice between having a prestigious job and personal fulfillment, the choice became clear.quot; After reflecting upon what brought her to this point, she chooses to abandon material comforts in order to pursue her passion. quot;Saying Goodbyequot; sounds like a gospel revival as Emily reveals her struggles with life on the road. Lord rocks out while poking fun at herself in quot;Parisquot; as she juxtaposes her insatiable wanderlust with a small-town traditional woman's contented existence. Ultimately, Emily concludes that both choices have equal value, and that we are happiest when we are true to ourselves. Brand New Day closes in a reflective way with the groovy song, quot;Daydream.quot; In a wistful muse about people that come and go from our lives, Emily wonders what, or even if, those people think of her now. An award-winning New England vocalist as a teen, Emily produced and sold her first album, Beginnings, while attending The University of Notre Dame. With early success of her debut CD combined with high academic honors and recognition as the University's top Army ROTC student, Notre Dame named her one of it's five most intriguing seniors. After graduation, Emily fulfilled her ROTC requirement by Captaining t
