In the throes of personal grief, Alynda Segarra (they/them) found solace and inspiration in unconventional sources - radical poetry, railroad culture, and the works of figures like writer Eileen Myles. Their lyrical compositions became vessels of memory, immortalizing loved ones lost and echoing the tumultuous yet hopeful essence of their own being. Through introspective storytelling, Segarra navigates the contours of time, love, and loss, crafting a memoir-like narrative that resonates with raw authenticity.

Recorded in North Carolina by Segarra and producer Brad Cook, The Past Is Still Alive transcends geographical confines, transporting listeners across landscapes both physical and emotional. From the bustling streets of the Lower East Side to the expansive plains of Nebraska, each track paints vivid vignettes of life's kaleidoscope, drawing from Segarra's rich tapestry of experiences.

"'Alibi,' a haunting reflection on love and addiction, serves as a poignant example," Segarra explains. "It's a plea, a desperate attempt to bridge the chasm between two souls destined for separation. The song encapsulates the bittersweet ache of loving someone to the point of exhaustion, intertwined with memories of my childhood and the allure of the open road."

Building upon the success of their previous album, Life on Earth, Hurray for the Riff Raff expands their sonic palette while retaining their signature introspection. Collaborators like Anjimile, Conor Oberst, and S.G. Goodman lend their voices to Segarra's introspective odyssey, enriching the album's emotional resonance.

While Life on Earth grappled with the chaos of the external world, The Past Is Still Alive turns inward, exploring themes of identity, belonging, and self-discovery. From the tender ode to trans pioneer Sky Red Hawk in "Buffalo" to the reflective musings on leaving home in "Snake Plant," Segarra crafts a deeply personal narrative that speaks to the universal journey of resilience and growth.