Oh Nebraska, what an inspiring state you are! Springsteen crafted a tragic tale about a terrible adventure there. Then there were great songs by Josh Rouse and The Cash Brothers that played off the state’s stark imagery. Now Nashville Americana artist and Nebraska native, Ro Myra, gives us her just-released, self-produced debut LP titled “Nowhere, Nebraska.”

Says Myra: “I wanted people to be able to listen to this record and feel what it’s like to stand in the middle of nowhere in Nebraska on a hot summer day, to feel the heat just radiating off of the wheat fields. I wanted it to sound like what growing up there felt like.”

Well, add “Railroad Weed” to the list of classic songs about Myra’s home state. Give a listen to the records’ latest single here and get a feel for what Ro is talking about. A gorgeous vocal and some crack accompaniment make this one a 2021 summer favorite.

Thank Ro for visiting 11 Questions, and we will keep an eye out for you on the local live scene. And if you readers are interested, Ro also teaches and is available for lessons in songwriting, piano, guitar, and voice. Check it out here at here website.

Where are you from originally, when did you move to Nashville and why?

I’m originally from a dried-up oil and farming town in western Nebraska. I moved to Nashville in 2015 because it felt like the right thing, and I decided it was the best place to work on my songwriting.

What are the first and the last records you bought, and where did you buy them? Were they CD, vinyl or digital?

The first CD I bought was probably Jewel’s Pieces of You or possibly Sarah McLachlan’s Surfacing. Among the most recent pile of vinyls I bought was Neil Young & Crazy Horse’s Rust Never Sleeps.

First and last live concerts that you’ve seen?

My first was Lilith Fair with all my favorite female-led bands like Dixie Chicks, Indigo Girls, Sarah McLachlan, and Sheryl Crow. Recently a friend of mine in Sheryl Crow’s band gave me tickets to see her last weekend.

Whose star should be added to the Music City Walk of Fame?

There are so many. Probably Lori McKenna.

Where do you go in Nashville for coffee and pizza?

I love the work that Thistle Farm does, so I always try to get over there for coffee when I can. My go-to coffee shop in my neighborhood is the Falcon Coffee Bar. And for pizza, I like grabbing a slice at Five Points Pizza.

What’s your favorite record to ever come out of Nashville?

Possibly Lucinda Williams’ Car Wheels on a Gravel Road or Gillian Welch’s Time (The Revelator). My record, Nowhere, Nebraska, is one of my favorites too. I’m biased though.

Where’s the best place to eat late night after a show?

Otaku Ramen.

The Bluebird calls and asks you to host an “In the Round.” Pick three local songwriters to join you.

I would pick Whit Hill, Jerry Vandiver, and Lisa Aschmann.

What are your favorite music venues to play in town?

The 5 Spot and the OG Basement are great.

Name a musician who you’d like to see move here?

John Moreland, but I doubt that would ever happen.

Finally, what’s in your musical future?

There’s lots of good on the horizon. I’m looking forward to sharing my debut album, Nowhere, Nebraska, with as many folks as I can. And, of course, I’ll be writing more songs and recording this coming fall and winter. New things to come, so stay tuned.