"Blues and bluegrass are the two greatest influences," she tells the publication. "It's being in a darkness that is so dark that your soul cries out to get relief. Because of where I've been and the hell I've been through and just the primal, guttural cry with which I have shed many a tear over children, death, divorce, being in the music business for 37 years as part of my journey. I think this record is my musical coming-out party where I'm just letting everything come to the surface. Have you ever watched a kid throw a tantrum, where they are not aware of where they are? They're just in their own moment, just letting it all go. I think that's what this record is for me. It's my tantrum record."

The songstress began working on the album, with her husband Cactus Moser, producing. When she turned it into the label, they asked for more. In turn, Moser - who was operating with only a quarter of the budget normally used - suggested they go a completely new direction.