S.G. Goodman’s latest musical venture, a deluxe edition entitled (Re)Planting by the Signs, has been released, presenting five new tracks alongside the original album. Noteworthy among these is a reimagined version of the title track, featuring a collaboration with renowned musicians Tyler Childers and his wife, Senora May. This expanded project not only adds depth to Goodman’s artistry but also serves as an exploration of Southern culture and its complexities, particularly in the contexts of Kentucky and Appalachia.
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The concept of (Re)Planting by the Signs is deeply personal for Goodman, who hails from the agrarian landscapes of Southwestern Kentucky. After the original release of Planting by the Signs in 2025, she felt a compelling urge to revisit and expand on the themes she had introduced. Goodman, 37, expressed her surprise at being unable to let go of the project, remarking, “It has taken me a bit off guard. I guess I haven’t been able to let it go.” This latest work adds fresh elements to her established sound, characterising her growth as an artist.
Among the new tracks included in this deluxe album are a live introduction, a rendition of Dan Reeder’s “I’m in Love,” a psychedelic cover of the Butthole Surfers’ “Pepper,” and the highly anticipated duet with Childers and May. The inclusion of these songs gives a broader insight into Goodman’s artistic vision, infusing her work with a variety of influences while maintaining a core focus on Southern identity and tradition.
Goodman’s intention behind this expanded release transcends mere marketing strategies often associated with deluxe albums. She aims to highlight the diversity and richness of Southern experiences, actively working against the oversimplified narratives often imposed on her region. “I feel like what is missed from everything—how Southerners and people from my region are portrayed—is complexity,” she stated. Goodman is determined to illuminate the depth beneath the surface, challenging stereotypes and inviting listeners to engage in a more nuanced understanding of her background.
The artistry displayed in (Re)Planting by the Signs is rooted in Goodman’s upbringing, particularly the agricultural practice of planting according to lunar cycles. This tradition resonates with her Kentucky compatriots, Childers and May, who share an intrinsic appreciation for these ancestral methods. The familial connections surrounding this practice reinforce the authenticity of their collaboration on the title track, which Goodman regards as a metaphorical love song, ideally suited for a duet by the couple.
In seeking collaboration, Goodman approached Tyler Childers and Senora May with sensitivity, aware of the significance of this being their first official recording as a duo. “I don’t really know why they haven’t recorded together until now, but it wouldn’t have hurt my feelings if they would’ve said no,” she recalled. This careful approach reflects Goodman’s respect for their artistry and the shared heritage that binds them.
An additional highlight of the album is Goodman’s creative take on “Pepper”. Known for its vibrant energy, she sought to infuse the original with her own Southern flair, steering away from a straightforward cover. She expressed, “I don’t really have any desire to just be a karaoke artist. I think it’s a picture of how their version, after it flows through me, what is left over.” This sentiment underscores her commitment to authenticity in her musical expression.
Goodman remains attuned to the issues of community, nature, and connection throughout her album. In a show of solidarity and support for her local community, she has decided to donate a portion of the album’s proceeds to WKMS, her local NPR station in Murray, Kentucky. She views such contributions as vital in fostering discussions about the connection between human experience and the natural world, which she believes is increasingly pertinent in today’s society.
As her profile continues to rise, with her imminent performance at the Laurel Cove Music Festival in Kentucky, Goodman insists that her focus remains on organic growth rather than conforming to industry pressures. She reflects, “What I’ve been able to do with this slow growth is really develop a community through my music, and in my opinion, community is what sustains a person.” This philosophy reveals her commitment to cultivating genuine connections through her work.
Looking to the future, Goodman is uncertain about the lifespan of Planting by the Signs and the new (Re)Planting by the Signs project. She acknowledges the fluidity of music in the digital age, where songs can continually reach fresh audiences. “There’s this amazing sense of the unknown when it comes to putting out music right now,” she concluded, highlighting the ongoing journey of artistic exploration.
Both Planting by the Signs and (Re)Planting by the Signs are now available on major streaming platforms, inviting listeners to delve into S.G. Goodman’s evolving narrative while celebrating the landscapes and traditions that shape her music.