Carriers Covers Look At Miss Ohio Following Amy Acton's Election
Indie rocker Curt Kiser releases a tribute song celebrating Amy Acton's Ohio gubernatorial victory.
1Musical Tribute to Victory
Cincinnati-based indie rock artist Curt Kiser, performing under the name Carriers, released a cover of Gillian Welch and David Rawlings’ 2003 track Look At Miss Ohio. Kiser recorded the song immediately following the election of Dr. Amy Acton as the new governor of Ohio, citing her recent political success as inspiration.
2Inspiration from Public Service
Kiser drew deep inspiration from Acton’s public profile during the COVID-19 pandemic, where she provided daily briefings to Ohio residents. He noted that her ability to communicate difficult information with care and gentleness provided a sense of hope, which motivated his decision to record this specific song during the early morning hours.
3Political Shift in Ohio
The artist views Acton’s victory as a significant turning point for both Ohio and the United States. Kiser emphasized that Acton is not a career politician but a public health servant who overcame childhood adversity. Her win represents a shift toward leadership that prioritizes empathy and resilience in the current political climate.
4Historical Context of Representation
Reflecting on the broader political landscape, Kiser highlighted the scarcity of female governors in American history, noting that only 15 women have held such positions. He expressed optimism that Acton’s election signals a necessary change in the country, aligning with her campaign message that the healing process begins immediately for all citizens.
5Personal Connection to Acton
Kiser shared a personal anecdote from his time working at a Cincinnati hotel, where he served breakfast to Acton. He recalled her kindness during their brief interaction, noting that she even recorded a birthday video for his partner. He expressed surprise that a guest he once served would eventually become the state governor.
6Song Choice and Sentiment
The choice of Look At Miss Ohio was deliberate, as Kiser believes the song’s sad yet powerful tone mirrors the collective emotional state of many voters. He hopes Acton appreciates the cover, which he describes as a tribute to scrappy individuals who have been underestimated, overlooked, or counted out by the establishment.
7Creative Process Details
The recording session was an impulsive act of creative expression, occurring until 4:30 AM on the night of the election results. Kiser, known for his lightly psychedelic and Americana-infused indie rock sound, utilized this cover to process the political news and share his enthusiasm for the future of his home state.
8Broader Cultural Impact
This release serves as a bridge between independent music culture and local political discourse. By connecting a classic Americana song to a contemporary gubernatorial win, Kiser highlights how art often reflects the shifting moods of the electorate. The track is now available for listeners to compare against the original 2003 studio version.
Original article: Stereogum — Carriers Covers Look At Miss Ohio Following Amy Acton's Election