Having studied harp performance at the Crane School of Music, Mikaela Davis skillfully blends her classical training with '60s pop melodies, psychedelia, and folk rock, creating a genre-defying body of work. Her bandmates, drummer Alex Coté, guitarist Cian McCarthy, bassist Shane McCarthy, and steel guitarist Kurt Johnson, have been pivotal figures in her life, and their collective experiences as they step into adulthood serve as the thematic foundation of And Southern Star. The Hudson Valley-based artist has shared the stage with prominent musicians such as Bob Weir, Phil Lesh, and Bon Iver, and her latest release showcases the profound connections she has with her closest friends and bandmates.

And Southern Star delves into themes of self-discovery, navigating new environments, and the complexities of outgrowing past desires. Davis describes it as the most authentic representation of herself, highlighting the personal growth she has experienced. The band's cohesive and telepathic bond is evident throughout the record, even though some songs were written individually over the past few years. The album marks the first full-length album where all five members have collaborated. Recorded at Old Soul Studios with Kenny Siegal and at Horehound Mansion by Cian McCarthy, it exudes an intimate and dream-like atmosphere. Mixed by Mike Fridmann at Tarbox Road Studios, known as the "silent sixth member of the band," the album's sonic landscape reflects its emotional depth.

"Cinderella," the album's opener, combines Davis' distinctive harp plucks and ethereal vocals with the band's textured contributions, illustrating her solo beginnings and collective growth. The tracks offer a transcendent escape from reality while also acknowledging the solitude and uncertainty that come with embracing new chapters in life. Songs like "Far From You" and "Home In The Country," written by Cian and Shane McCarthy, respectively, tackle loss and the search for optimism amidst change. The track "Promise," created by Davis and Coté, reflects on personal growth through the lens of a close friend's struggles. "The Pearl" serves as an anchor, encompassing the core memories that shape our identities and the eternal connection to our inner child. Throughout the album, Davis and her bandmates eloquently convey the pain and renewal associated with moving forward, reminding listeners that difficulties are temporary and that light can always break through darkness, as poignantly conveyed in the track "Saturday Morning."

And Southern Star explores the liminal space of personal growth and accepting change while holding onto cherished aspects of the past and is a powerful testament to Mikaela Davis' artistic and personal evolution, capturing the essence of growth and transformation with grace and vulnerability. As she and her band navigate the complexities of life, they create a musical journey that resonates deeply with listeners, offering solace and hope in times of change and renewal.