Melissa Etheridge is making a powerful return to the music scene with her latest album, *Rise*, set to be released on March 27. The multi-talented musician, known for her emotional depth and candid storytelling, draws from significant life experiences for this new compilation. The album emerges as a heartfelt exploration of love, loss, and familial connections, with particularly poignant contributions inspired by her children.
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At the age of 64, Etheridge reflects on a lifetime filled with profound experiences that have shaped her perspective. Two tracks from *Rise* particularly stand out: “More Love,” created for her daughter Bailey’s wedding, and “Call You,” which addresses the grief following the loss of her son, Beckett, who tragically passed away from opioid addiction in 2020. Etheridge openly shares her desire to inspire and uplift those grappling with similar challenges in their own lives.
“It’s amazing how music can connect deeply with people,” Etheridge told *People* magazine. “I aim to speak from my own truth, using my experiences to help others navigate their fears and losses.” This marks Etheridge’s first entirely original work since 2019, and the personal nature of the album resonates throughout her songwriting.
The singer-songwriter’s journey through grief is evident in the song “Call You.” This was the first track she penned for the album, following the release of her book, *Talking to My Angels*, which detailed her experiences after losing Beckett. “Writing music and books became a healing process for me,” she reflects. “The song captures that moment of loss while expressing a desire not to be consumed by guilt and pain.”
In stark contrast to the somber themes of loss, “More Love” encapsulates joy. Etheridge recalls the moment she performed this uplifting piece at her daughter’s wedding in Sonoma, California last September. She aimed to create a song that would resonate universally, reflecting the journey of growth and the longing for deeper connections.
“I wanted to make it relatable so that everyone could see aspects of their relationships within it,” Etheridge explained. “Watching Bailey grow into adulthood has been a profound experience; as a parent, you wish to guide them, but ultimately, they must forge their own paths.”
Etheridge, who shares her children Bailey and Beckett with her former partner Julie Cypher, is also the mother to 19-year-old twins Johnnie Rose and Miller Steven with ex-wife Tammy Lynn Michaels. This sense of family, combined with her lived experiences, continues to fuel her artistry.
The inception of *Rise* can be traced back to late 2023 when Etheridge discovered she had achieved many items on her musical bucket list—a Broadway show, two published books, and even a concert at the Topeka Correctional Facility in Kansas. “Having ticked off all these dreams, I realised it was time to create an album,” she noted. “It felt like the perfect moment to get back to my roots as a musician.”
Etheridge collaborated closely with her band and enlisted Shooter Jennings to produce the album. Following an extensive tour in 2025, the creative process came together, leading to Etheridge’s renewed excitement about the music industry. Notably, her wife Linda Wallem, whom she married in 2014, directed the music video for the album’s lead single, “Being Alive,” while Etheridge expressed her enthusiasm for a special collaboration with the renowned Chris Stapleton.
Moreover, Etheridge is eagerly anticipating future performances in support of *Rise*, especially as she has received her first nomination for induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. “For years, I have remained indifferent to awards and accolades,” she admitted. “But when I got the call regarding the nomination, it truly felt significant. It’s heartening to know that my contributions have resonated within the rock and roll community.”
As Etheridge prepares for this exciting next chapter, she emphasises the importance of living in the present. Reflecting on her personal growth, she said, “There was a time when I was always looking ahead; now, I appreciate achieving these dreams and want to enjoy every moment of it. I still have aspirations for film and television, but I’m in no rush.”
This motivational journey from grief to healing and creative resurgence encapsulates Melissa Etheridge’s extraordinary spirit. With *Rise*, she invites listeners to celebrate the beautiful complexities of life, paving the way for inspiration and hope.