Loretta Hagen is an acclaimed independent Folk artist from New Jersey. Since her 2002 debut album “Something More,” the singer/songwriter has spent the better part of the past two decades entertaining audiences from the Northeast to Nashville. In that time she has shared the stage with legends like; Pete Seeger, Roger McGuinn, Richie Havens, Marshall Crenshaw and many more. She has released three more records in that time and won numerous awards and nominations including; JAM (Jersey Acoustic Music) Awards “Top Female Songwriter of the Year” and the top spot in the NJ Folk Festival Songwriter Competition.
“Not Now” is Loretta Hagen’s latest single, released worldwide to all major streaming services on April 1, 2021. Inspired by those fighting for survival alone in hospitals across the world during the COVID-19 pandemic, the song is a testament to the quiet strength and resolve of the human spirit. The protagonist is tired, weak and weary but not defeated.
Over a beautifully recorded acoustic arrangement of guitar, bass and drums Loretta uses the metaphor of a shipwreck castaway to represent the lonely survivor. “Not Now” is a message to death itself. Our heroine is going to survive to see her family. She has chosen strength of will over desperation. The track is beautifully performed by Hagen and her band, including some smooth leads from her guitarist (and husband) Gary Hagen.
Each day I would hear news stations report the heartbreaking stories of people alone in hospitals around the world fighting for their lives without a loved one at their side. I can only imagine the terror for them. So many stories of loss: loss of life, loss of jobs, homes, loneliness. Normal life simply gone. But in all of that overwhelming despair and loss, there were also stories of survival.
Loretta Hagen
Watch the lyric video for “Not Now” below. You can also hear the song on the Deep Indie Songwriters playlist. Follow the links below to connect with Loretta Hagen. Get in the loop on all of her current and future projects, including a brand new album due later this year.
Connect:
Loretta Hagen on the Deep Indie playlists
