Lawrence Rothman Wants to Break Free From Music’s Ones and Zeroes

Lawrence Rothman’s latest album, Here Lies Love / Sawdust to Stardust, marks a significant evolution in their artistic journey as they delve deeper into the Americana music landscape. Released in 2026 via KRO Records, this 13-track LP serves as the final installment in a trilogy that began with 2021’s Good Morning, America and continued with 2024’s The Plow That Broke the Plains.

Rothman, known for resisting strict genre classification, now identifies Americana as a broad, unifying category that encapsulates elements of American soul, R&B, folk, country, rock, and even punk. This expansive definition reflects Rothman’s growing connection with Nashville’s Americana scene, which they immersed themselves in after relocating there during the pandemic.

The conception of this trilogy was inspired by the literary structure of Henry Miller’s Rosy Crucifixion series, which Rothman admired in their youth. This framework provided a narrative and thematic cohesion, allowing Rothman to explore complex issues such as generational trauma and societal unrest through a personal lens.

Here Lies Love / Sawdust to Stardust continues to confront the challenges of living in a politically charged and AI-influenced age, themes that resonate throughout the trilogy. The album’s songwriting features collaborations with artists like Madi Diaz, Katie Pruitt, and Amanda Shires, who also contributed to earlier projects. Notably, Shires’ involvement creates a connective thread across the trilogy, reinforcing its conceptual unity.

One standout track, "Karmakaze," co-written with Jillian Jaqueline, acts as a thematic companion piece to "Thrash the West" from the first album. Rothman’s collaboration with Shires on "Thrash the West" originally emerged from Rothman’s personal struggles with anxiety and depression and showcased a raw reflection on consequences and resilience. "Karmakaze" expands on these ideas, blending introspective lyrics with a haunting strings-and-percussion arrangement.

The visual representation of "Karmakaze" further amplifies the album’s emotional core. Directed by Rothman’s wife and creative collaborator Floria Sigismondi, the music video sets Rothman against a stark desert landscape, emphasizing the song’s themes of isolation and enduring hardship.

Live performance remains a central passion for Rothman, who emphasizes its irreplaceable role in fostering genuine human connection in an increasingly digital world. Reflecting on their roots in punk music, where onstage protests often led to censorship, Rothman contrasts that past with the current climate dominated by digital formats and artificial intelligence. They argue that in this era of ‘‘zeros and ones,’’ the physical presence of artists on stage holds unprecedented significance.

Rothman’s advocacy for live music underscores a broader cultural conversation about how artists engage with audiences amidst technological shifts. Their perspective highlights the importance of authenticity and direct interaction in sustaining artistic impact and influencing future generations.

Details surrounding the broader reception of Here Lies Love / Sawdust to Stardust remain limited at this time. However, Rothman’s integration of Americana elements and thematic depth positions the album as a noteworthy contribution to contemporary American music, reflecting the complexities of modern life through a uniquely personal and musical lens.