From Rolling Stone · Josh Crutchmer · · 1m
Lawrence Rothman Breaks From Music's Ones and Zeroes
Lawrence Rothman's new album celebrates human connection in an AI-dominated era.
In brief
Lawrence Rothman's new album celebrates human connection in an AI-dominated era. Lawrence Rothman released Here Lies Love / Sawdust to Stardust, a trilogy album addressing generational trauma and AI's impact. Originally reported by Rolling Stone.
Lawrence Rothman's Music
Lawrence Rothman's new album Here Lies Love / Sawdust to Stardust celebrates human interaction in a world of zeroes and ones.
“Lawrence Rothman's new album is a celebration of human interaction in a world of zeroes and ones.”
Americana Trilogy
Rothman's Americana trilogy includes Good Morning, America (2021), The Plow That Broke the Plains (2024), and Here Lies Love / Sawdust to Stardust (2026).
“It completes a trilogy that began with 2021's Good Morning, America.”
Karmakaze Collaboration
Rothman wrote 'Karmakaze' with Jillian Jaqueline, which became the second half of 'Thrash the West' with Amanda Shires.
“By the time they finished, the song had become the second half of 'Thrash the West.'”
Desert Video
Rothman released a video for 'Karmakaze' directed by their wife Floria Sigismondi against a desert backdrop.
“This summer, Rothman dropped a video to 'Karmakaze,' directed by Rothman's wife and creative partner, Floria Sigismondi, that features Rothman playing the song against a desolate, rock-walled backdrop set in the desert.”
AI Era
Rothman says music provides little respite from AI-dominated political tensions in the current era.
“Even without that context, Here Lies Love / Sawdust to Stardust comes across as a natural sequel to The Plow That Broke the Plains, as Rothman confronts generational trauma, self-destruction, and existing in a politically-charged, AI-dominated era from which music provides little respite.”
Live Performance
Rothman emphasizes live performances as the most impactful way to connect with audiences in the digital age.
“Rothman says playing live is the biggest motivation in their career, and that artists can still impact society directly by getting onstage and singing songs to real, live people.”
What to remember
Lawrence Rothman released Here Lies Love / Sawdust to Stardust, a trilogy album addressing generational trauma and AI's impact.
