Premiere: Megan Luttrell’s ‘Cassidy’ is a poignant ode to queer love
Megan Luttrell. // photo by John Knepper
Lawrence singer-songwriter Megan Luttrell is a longtime favorite for us here at the Pitch, and we’re always excited to hear new music from her. While it’s been a second since her last single, “The Letter,” in July of last year, it’s hard to fault the musician, as she’s been raising two kids under five, working a full-time job, and recovering from leg surgery.
As per usual, though, Luttrell’s latest is worth the wait. The song is called “Cassidy,” recorded at Sad Cowboy Recording Co. with the musician on acoustic guitar and doing vocal harmonies with herself, alongside Matthew Mulnix on electric bass, and the Twangles’ Jenn Thomas playing cello. It’s a sweetly plaintive ode to early queer love, and we’re delighted to share it below, along with an interview about what Luttrell has lately been up to (spoiler: it involves adorable t-shirts).
The Pitch: What brought this past relationship to mind?
Megan Luttrell: Over the past couple of years, I’ve done a lot of self-reflection and self-discovery. Though queerness has always been a part of my identity, it doesn’t hold much space in my current life, and I wanted to change that. Yes, I’m happily married in a straight-facing relationship, but that doesn’t reflect my full identity as a queer woman. I want to be more connected to the LGBQ+ community, and I decided it had to start with internal connections. I wrote this song in my 20s, at least 15 years ago, but I decided to record it and release it, less as a return to that specific relationship or person, and more as a return to a part of myself that I needed out in the world.
How is it, harmonizing with yourself?
It’s always fun to think up harmonies, whether with myself or other people. I particularly liked doing it on this track because I felt like the two voices mirrored the voices of the characters in the song (me as narrator and Cassidy). I also feel the two voices (chest voice and softer head voice for harmonies) reflect different parts of my identity.
When does it make sense to collaborate with folks?
I’d love to collaborate with people more! I’m so busy with full-time work and two small kids that it makes it very difficult. I was excited to work with Jen Thomas (cellist) on this song. She brought her unique sound while remaining sensitive to what I envisioned for the song. Collaborating with other people is an amazing way to take a song from good to great. Other people hear things differently and can make a seemingly small suggestion that will end up taking the song to an entirely new place. I hope there’s more room for collaboration in my future projects.
You’ve got a new single and new shirts. Does it help to have something to promote when you’re recovering from surgery?
The shirts! Everyone needs a shirt with an accordion-playing raccoon! I can’t tell you how hard it is to be sitting at home recovering instead of out there playing shows this summer. Promoting the new merch and new single does help. I feel like I’m still active even if from the sidelines.
What does the rest of 2026 look like for you, musically?
I’m on crutches for another 3 weeks (fingers crossed that it won’t be longer!) and I have shows booked in September and October, both solo and with my trio. I’m hoping to book a few more to close out the year and would love to do some writing. I’ve got an accordion in the shop waiting for me to learn to play it, so the possibilities are endless.
