Singer-songwriter Eva Gertz has just unveiled her sophomore album, Worth the Drive, a deeply personal reflection borne from a five-month solo road trip across the United States. Inspired by the tumult of the pandemic and a recent breakup, Gertz's latest work encapsulates themes of self-love, adventure, and the courage to embrace solitude.
Raised in a creatively rich environment—her father a jazz bassist and her mother a visual artist—Gertz's musical journey is as varied as her background. Currently a professor at Berklee College of Music, her style fuses jazz, folk, and pop, creating an uplifting and thought-provoking sound. In her own words, her genre can be termed "eclectic singer-songwriter," a fitting label for the ten tracks that compose her latest offering.
The album's title track poses a poignant question: "Is it worth the drive? / Several thousand miles." This inquiry rings throughout the album, as Gertz wrestles with the complexities of her journey. The song "Little Know It All" introduces her inner child, a playful yet wise voice guiding her: "I'm puttin' my trust in you little know it all."
Tracks like "Elk's Eye" capture moments of wonder during her travels and reflect on the beauty and depth of experiences that shape personal growth. "What do I do with all the scenes on this trip / So I don't forget all the things I've done," she muses, a sentiment that speaks to many who have taken similar journeys of introspection.
Gertz's arrangements are both minimal and lush, varying from piano-led simplicity to full rhythm sections and string quartets, creating a sonic landscape that mirrors her physical journey. "The themes of travel, self-discovery, and inner child have been very moving and relatable," she shares, proving her story is not just a personal narrative but a universal call to action: to be brave and "go alone" sometimes.
The indie singer's artistry beautifully encapsulates the essence of transformation, making this album more than just a collection of songs—it serves as a roadmap for those seeking the courage to embrace freedom. Worth the Drive is here to encourage listeners to reflect on their own journeys, the friendships they've built, and the significance of finding peace within themselves. "During this travel chapter of my life I found a diehard friend in myself," Eva inspiringly reveals.
Listen to Worth the Drive below.
Sam is a mediocre artist, musician, and the founder and editor in chief of UNXIGNED. He is a Juris Doctor who leads an excitingly boring life in the confines of his room juggling studies with passion and dreams. He is terrible at finding balance but gets by anyhow. He wants you to follow his artist pages and channels for when he decides to up his game. Pretty open for collabs and will mix your would-be hit song for cheap.
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