Welcome to the next installment of Behind the Song, the illustrated series where I talk to artists and get the backstory to your next favorite song.

While on tour a few years ago in Portland, Annie Hart of Au Revoir Simone planted the first seeds of what would become her stunning debut solo album Hard To Be Still. I caught up with Annie last month after her fantastic and fun-loving performance (dancing in the crowd included) at Bottom of the Hill. She was joined by tour opener, the captivating singer-songwriter Madeline Kenney of Oakland. Annie shared some of her adventures with me leading up to the recording of the new album. Check out the title track “Hard To Be Still” and see the story behind the song below.