About the Artist
With a haunting voice and a style that fuses rockabilly, country, and gothic Americana, Lindi Ortega is a singular presence in roots music. Her songs often walk the line between vulnerability and defiance, echoing legends while carving her own shadowy path. She finds beauty in melancholy and power in raw truth.
Lindi Ortega
About the Episode (Episode 29)
Lindi Ortega: Finding a New Voice Through the Silence
Lindi Ortega has always been a singular force in Americana. From her Juno-nominated breakthrough Little Red Boots to the cinematic storytelling of Liberty, the Canadian-born artist earned a reputation for a voice that could swing from a rockabilly growl to a haunting, jazz-inflected lilt. But then, the music stopped.
In this episode of Curious Goldfish, Ortega joins host Jason English to discuss a harrowing period of vocal dysfunction and the crushing anxiety that followed. "I just was not singing it... it was a very strange thing," she reflects, describing a time when the very instrument that defined her identity simply vanished. This wasn't just a physical hurdle; it was an existential one. Ortega reveals how panic attacks before shows eventually forced her to step back, proving that even the most resilient artists must sometimes choose silence to find their song again.
Now, Ortega is back, trading her signature red boots for a "wacky" new creative outlook. Whether she is discussing her penchant for visiting haunted castles or the emotional weight of her song "Spiritual Advisor"—a poignant tribute to her father—Ortega’s return is a masterclass in creative survival. She’s no longer just performing; she’s exploring what it means to create when the stakes are personal rather than professional.
Three Key Takeaways:
The Loss of Identity: Ortega discusses the psychological toll of losing her voice, admitting, "I struggled really hard because I was like, I don't have anything."
The Power of the Pivot: After stepping away from the stage to manage severe performance anxiety, Ortega highlights the necessity of prioritizing mental health over career momentum.
Creative Fearlessness: Now motivated by a "let’s get wacky" philosophy, Ortega is embracing unconventional ideas and deeper storytelling, proving that her hiatus refined rather than diminished her artistry.