Kristen Grainger & True North are an Eugene, USA-based Americana act who has just caught my attention through their hard-hitting new song Buckeye State.

By Graeme Smith

Since the overturning of Roe vs Wade, the legal ruling that gave American women the constitutional right to an abortion, the issue has come sharply to the fore the other side of the Atlantic (though it’s an issue that never truly went away). The flashpoint story was that of a ten-year-old rape victim who was prohibited from seeking an abortion under Ohio law, and its this story that has prompted the track Buckeye State.

With a simple acoustic guitar arrangement, time and space is given to Kristen’s vocals and their powerful story. The emotion of the true story cuts deeps and would give anyone pause for thought, regardless of which side of the debate they find themselves on.

Kristen Grainger & True North was co-founded by Kristen Grainger and Dan Wetzel. As a songwriter, Kristen’s name has been mentioned in the same breathe as Brandi Carlile and Dolly Parton, and she’s won or been a finalist in numerous song writing competitions. It’s easy to see why on the evidence of Buckeye State. You can give a listen below.