Lija Fonner - Ozark Mountain Dream [EP]

Ozark Mountain Dream by Lija Fonner is a rich five-song musical exploration blending indie rock with Americana roots. Written while she lived in Kansas City, Lija’s songs pull from her experiences, extensive reading on influential women in music, and a fascination with vintage Playboy culture. The EP takes listeners on a journey, evoking images of rolling hills and rugged cityscapes, with lyrics that weave together nostalgia, independence, and exploration.

Recorded in a historic 100-year-old house, affectionately dubbed Casa de Lo-fi, the EP embodies the ethos of its name. Lija’s bassist, Bobby T. Lewis, championed this setup, using vintage analog equipment to capture an authentic, lived-in sound. Alongside Lija was her childhood friend, drummer, and musician extraordinaire Kevin Shaklee, helping bring the songs to life on the Tascam 388 tape recorder.

The single, Ozark Mountain Dream, paints a visceral landscape of her Midwestern roots, transporting you not only to a secluded forest stream but to a way of life deeply rooted in nature’s quiet wonders: “Stuck in the middle of nowhere inspires you to go where…hidden treasures only found downstream in my Ozark Mountain dream.”

Each track offers a glimpse into another world, where Lija’s lyrics hint at the universal longing to find meaning beyond glitzy exteriors. You feel the tension between small-town charm and big-city dreams, a balance between being “the Ozark Mountain queen” and a “starry-eyed music lover.” This EP is for anyone who has ever felt connected to and distanced from their roots, has ever longed to be part of something bigger, or has known the thrill of reinventing themselves.

The album was mastered by legendary rock producer Chris Hanzsek, who is known for recording groundbreaking bands like The Melvins and Soundgarden. Hanzsek’s touch on the EP adds an undeniable edge to Lija’s nostalgic yet bold soundscape.