Hymn for Her is a full-blown family affair.
What began as the duo of Wayne Waxing and Lucy Tight some 20 years ago in Philadelphia, playing garage rock and roots-punk via Waxing on drums while also playing either guitar or banjo, and Tight on cigar-box guitar, has blossomed into a trio with the addition of daughter, Diver, on keys. Diver has been part of the touring unit since birth, hustled along with Mom and Dad in the touring Airstream as they made their way around the country on what seemed to be a never-ending tour. She slowly became part of the onstage act, now at age 16 contributing keyboards and vocals, adding a dream-pop element to the gritty punk blues Hymn for Her has been known for.
Hymn for Her, or since the addition of Diver, titled Hymn for Her Family Band, will return to the region July 29 when they play at the Dolores River Brewery in Dolores.
They’re still that punky garage band, but now so much more thanks to the addition of their kid; she had dabbled in playing with Mom and Dad but didn’t officially “join” until asked. She, of course, said yes.
If you go
WHAT: Rock music with Hymn for Her.
WHEN: 7 p.m. July 29.
WHERE: Dolores River Brewery, 100 S. Fourth St., Dolores.
TICKETS: $15.
MORE INFORMATION: Visit www.doloresriverbrewery.com.
“It was going from a power, dirty New Orleans, funky, swampy, bluesy to suddenly having lush, chordal piano music and another female harmony vocal, and it shifted our whole sound into this amazing new exploratory ...,” said Waxing, who during this interview was then sharply interrupted by Tight.
“It opened everything,” Tight said. “More space, more harmonies, and more space for thought and connection.”
“More possibilities,” added Waxing.
Diver was a lucky kid who became part of her parents’ art and livelihood, something she’s known since birth. Most kids come around to the music their parents dig, and Diver was no different.
“I had to learn the songs. I knew where to go, I knew all the songs by heart, I had been growing up with them,” Diver said. “But when I was little, it was just sort of background music, because it was always playing. I didn’t hate it, it’s what I grew up with. Now that I’m playing with them, I’m starting to enjoy it more.”
They’ve got five full-length releases under their belt, and as of late have been doing the singles thing. In 2023, they’ve dropped two: “Elders” is a soft, harmony-heavy nod to when Waxing and Tight worked in a retirement community before the pandemic, a cut that’s the ripe, dream-pop sound they’ve pushed out since the addition of Diver. It’s also a heartbreaker of a reminder to never forget those aunts, uncles or grandparents and their stories.
“Guns, Porn and Jesus” is a glorious jab at some of the roadside sights and personal beliefs of some of the residents of Hymn for Her’s now home state of Florida, a blast of cow-punk and satirical hillbilly rock that would make Mojo Nixon proud. Both singles were recorded at their home studio, which remains home base for future musical output.
They’re still road hogs, although touring may be a bit more select since one band member is in high school. Summer 2023 finds The Hymn for Her Family Band knocking around the Midwest, while also playing about a dozen shows in Colorado, with an anticipated and excitable return to the Southwest and Montezuma County. Shows in Dolores at the brewery are normally rowdy affairs, and their return should be no different.
“The last time we were there, people were dancing on tables and it got pretty wild and very fun,” Tight said. “We have fond memories of that place. We’re excited to come back.”
Bryant Liggett is a freelance writer and KDUR station manager. Reach him at liggett_b@fortlewis.edu.
