Thelma & James’ Debut Project ‘Starting Over’ To Drop Sept. 19

/by

Rising duo Thelma & James, (singer-songwriters MacKenzie Porter and Jake Etheridge) are gearing up for the release of their debut EP Starting Over on Sept. 19 via Big Loud Records.

The pair had both forged successful solo careers before collaborating, and their first co-write in over a decade produced the project’s opening song and viral track “Happy Ever After You,” the catalyst for the duo itself. Porter and Etheridge co-wrote every song on Starting Over alongside trusted collaborators including Lonas (who produced the project), Natalie Hemby, Lori McKenna, Josh Osborne and more.

The EP features previously-released songs like “Nostalgic for Nothing,” “Canaries in a Coal Mine,” “Chainsmokin’ Memories” and “First Love.” Starting Over also introduces new songs “Loser,” “Parking Lot Prayers” and “Starting Over” from the married duo.

“We are so excited to announce our very first EP together. These songs came together quickly and creating them felt so effortless,” share Thelma & James. “When we sat down to write back in December, there was no plan beyond getting a few ideas off our chests. We never imagined it would turn into a band, a record deal and now an entire project – but looking back, it feels inevitable.”

“Jake is my best collaborator in every part of life, so it only makes sense that it translates into music too,” Porter adds. “This is just the beginning; we have so many songs… they just won’t stop flooding our brains.”

To celebrate the release, Thelma & James will make their Grand Ole Opry debut on September 23.

Starting Over Track List:
1. “Happy Ever After You” (MacKenzie Porter, Jake Etheridge)
2. “Chainsmokin Memories” (Jake Etheridge, Jordan Minton, MacKenzie Porter, Jordan Reynolds, Parker Welling)
3. “Loser” (Jake Etheridge, Natalie Hemby, MacKenzie Porter)
4. “Parking Lot Prayers” (Jake Etheridge, MacKenzie Porter, Jordan Reynolds, Emily Weisband)
5. “Canaries in a Coal Mine” (Jake Etheridge, Josh Osborne, MacKenzie Porter, Scott Stepakoff)
6. “Nostalgic for Nothing” (Jake Etheridge, MacKenzie Porter, Jordan Reynolds, Parker Welling)
7. “First Love” (Jake Etheridge, Lauren Hungate, MacKenzie Porter)
8. “Starting Over” (Jake Etheridge, Lori McKenna, MacKenzie Porter)

Lorie Hollabaugh
Latest posts by Lorie Hollabaugh (see all)