Interview: Big Little Lions light a torch of hope with new album, ‘Alive and Well’

The world is in shambles, and while everyone is fleeing, even the leader of the free world, Big Little Lions gallop directly into the fire. With their third studio album, Alive and Well, the folk-pop pair ⎯⎯ Helen Austin and Paul Otten ⎯⎯ maneuver to rally the world for one common objective: the resistance. Embellished with their classically-warm pop veneer, which often borrows from the Peter, Paul & Mary textbook, the 13 tracks wield a genius juxtaposition of acute songwriting and jaunty, chewy arrangements. Given the album’s heft, it’s not exactly a “protest album” by definition. “[It’s] more of a reaction to the events of the day and a reassurance that not all hope is lost,” writes Otten over email, “that we all have the power to bring a positive change to the world.”

“It was hard to get away from current events while we were writing, and those themes just had a way of seeping into the lyrics,” adds Austin, whose vocal is eloquently biting through much of the lineup. The record rises as their most cohesive, bound by time and truth. There’s no fake news to be found here. They cut through the “Static,” even if they feel the cross they bear is too much sometimes. Through expressing the world’s hurt so gorgeously, as they do, for example, on “Disguise,” which leans into Americana territory, Otten and Austin are exemplary tunesmiths, beckoning the listener to join the uprising. “I’m killing myself,” they summon, leaving the impression they are willing to do whatever it takes to dismantle a broken system. Of course, utter catharsis is a well-earned byproduct of their work.

With every turn, they are steely-eyed and determined, allowing the spew of venom to slide off their skin like oil. “I’d walk a mile in your shoes,” they avow in glossy grandeur with “Come This Far,” and then “Our Turn” fuels their resolve to never give up, never give in. “We won’t walk away!” they wail. “Broken” depicts their exhaustion with humanity, a fragile composition adorned with trembling piano and tight-bound, haunting harmony work. Amidst a flurry of intolerance and hate-mongering, they are planted firmly in their belief “love makes you open your heart, even when it is difficult,” says Austin. “Love helps us see beyond what divides us.”

In their quest to hold onto hope, Otten grasps tighter to his faith, and Austin makes concerted efforts in “finding the good news stories, finding the good people and doing good things just for the heck of it,” she says. “I once heard that if you feel hopeless, go and volunteer. It works!”

There’s a certain majesty wrapped into their music, too, even when they’re denouncing evil-seekers, as they do so vehemently on “Against the Wall,” an evident protest against Trump’s border wall. “Can we run when it’s done?” they propose over quaking foot stomps and stinging strings. “Unicorn” seethes with resigned, laying-in-waiting fury ⎯⎯ “Wake me when the world is sober / Tell me when this show is over,” they insist ⎯⎯ while “Do Better,” a lovingly simple production, pleads for change to finally come.

Alive and Well is a magnificent, urgent and caring record. Things won’t change unless we are willing to sacrifice a part of ourselves. Big Little Lions not only give up their heart but their entire being. From the tender, deflated nudge of “Kind” (“I still can’t even understand this / Give me a day or two”) to the sun-baked pluck of “Big Mistake,” Austin and Otten’s craft is truly flourishing these days.

Below, the duo discuss how they feel alive these days, personal growth in the darkest times and seeing music change lives.

Who are the people and what are the things that make you feel alive?

Otten: God, my wife, family and friends make me feel alive. Our fans give me a satisfaction that what we are doing musically can make an impact in someone’s life. Whether big or small.

Austin: My husband and kids are my everything. They are my tribe, and I am lucky enough to have some very good friends who I can be myself with. And BLL…that has been a huge positive in my life…getting to make the music I have always wanted to make.

If the world was not in its current state, would this album have even been written in this way?

Otten: I’m sure it wouldn’t be as reactionary. But we’ve always written positive, hopeful music. That aspect of the album would have remained the same.

The album stretches through some pretty grim themes, including pain and sorrow. How can brokenness and misery be important for our personal growth?

Otten: I think everyone needs to feel some pain and sorrow in their lives to make the good moments stand out. Pain and sorrow are good motivators for self examination and improvement…for most of us.

Austin: Pain and sorrow is where the learning happens. No one has a success-only journey and as painful as the tough parts are, they are necessary to grow.

On “Unicorn,” you sing “wake me when the world is sober.” What will it take for the world to sober up?

Otten: I think when we stop focusing on what social media news is telling us and start focusing on what’s in our hearts and minds and the people around us, then we can see that not all hope is lost. And we have seen from Florida, that even the so called “hopeless” youth can make a real difference.

Austin: It will take some serious critical thinking from a large proportion of the population. Education is key in this. We need compassionate, open-minded, confident people to lead.

How can music be the vehicle of change, and how have you seen it at work in your lives?

Otten: Music has always gotten me through the tough times in my life, divorce, the death of my mom ⎯⎯ as well as lifted me up and put me in a good mood or reminded me of a great time in my life. We have heard from many fans that have said our music gets them through their day. That has to say a lot about the power of music, right?

“We know we can do better,” you sing on “Do Better,” which seems to be an appropriate way to bookend the record. In way ways/forms do you ascribe to that in your daily lives and on a grander scale?

Otten: I know I’m always trying to find ways of improving myself and the lives of those around me. I’m not always great at it, but I’m always trying to think of ways that I can do better.

Austin: I am always trying to find ways to be/do better. I moved from a big city to a small town, and that has definitely shown me how to do better by volunteering and caring about those around you. I always try to do the right thing purely because it’s the right thing to do.

“Come This Far” is another clear standout, featuring some of your most empowering lyrics. How did this one come together?

Otten: This one took some time to come together. It started with a music idea I had that Helen really liked. She put the lyrics together for it, and we both set a pretty high standard for the finished product. I produced many different versions before one felt right.

Austin: And lyrically, this one was a little autobiographical but really just about two people with the right frame of mind helping each other become the best versions of themselves.

How has your musical relationship changed through three albums, and what have you learned together?

Otten: On the first album, we didn’t really know each other except via email. As we’ve gotten to know each other through touring, it’s been a lot easier to find our true musical voice. We’ve learned each other’s strengths when it comes to the songwriting process. And as we’ve come to know each other on a personal level, it has given us a stronger investment in keeping Big Little Lions growing.

Photo Credit: Karen Pantuso

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