Jess Williamson Channels Joan Didion for Lead Single Off Upcoming Album 'A Mile South of Heaven'

Jess Williamson has announced her sixth studio album, "A Mile South of Heaven," set for release on October 9 via New West Records, according to both FEMMUSIC and Pitchfork. The Texas-born singer-songwriter's new project follows her 2024 album "Time Ain't Accidental" and was produced by Shooter Jennings at Sunset Sound in Hollywood.

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FEMMUSICJess Williamson – A Mile South Of HeavenPitchforkJess Williamson Announces New Album 'A Mile South of Heaven,' Shares Joan Didion-Inspired Single

Alongside the announcement, Williamson shared the lead single "Goodbye to All That." The track draws directly from literary source material. As Pitchfork reported, it "takes its name from the Joan Didion essay" and is accompanied by a mini road movie music video.

The decision to anchor the album's first preview in Didion's work adds a reflective, essayistic quality to Williamson's folk-tinged songwriting. The music video, described by Pitchfork as a "mini road movie," visually reinforces the sense of departure and movement suggested by the song's title.

"A Mile South of Heaven" marks Williamson's first collaboration with Shooter Jennings, a producer known for blending country and rock textures. The album was recorded at Sunset Sound, a storied Los Angeles studio that has hosted legendary sessions across decades. According to FEMMUSIC, this is Williamson's sixth full-length release, continuing a steady evolution she has charted since her debut.