Singer reminiscent of Ronstadt

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - The buzz on Tift Merritt is that she could be the next Bonnie Raitt. Or maybe the next Linda Ronstadt. Emmylou Harris is also mentioned.

On her debut album, Bramble Rose (in stores today), the former lead singer of alternative-country band the Carbines brings to mind those queens of 1970s California country-rock - and pushes their legacies forward for a new generation.

"I ... remember trying to listen to all these women's first records," says the 27-year-old Ms. Merritt, who was born in Houston and raised in Raleigh, N.C. "Bonnie Raitt's first record is so awesome. It's blues, but she's feminine and strong."

Ms. Merritt says an album by Ms. Harris pointed her in the right direction.

"I got Quarter Moon in a Ten Cent Town and I went, 'Oh, that is what I'm trying to do. That's what my voice is supposed to sing along with."'

In 1998, Ms. Merritt formed the Carbines with drummer Zeke Hutchins. Although she is now a solo act, recording on the Lost Highway Records label, the Carbines remain her backing band.

Q: Did Lost Highway live up to its reputation for letting artists have artistic freedom?

A: We were all by ourselves in the studio in Los Angeles. It was awesome. ... They didn't call to see what songs we did. They didn't show up wondering what the single was.

Q: Is it hard for the Carbines to accept being your backing band?

A: The drummer and I started the band, and we were deliberate in putting the band together so that it would last. There did come a time where I thought, "I'm ready - this is about my songs. I can handle it." They were like, "Yea!" I think it's a great tribute to our friendship and to our ability to grow together.

Q: What are your expectations for Bramble Rose?

A: My expectations are to get better at performing and have fun performing, and also to make another record with the quality the same if not better in the songwriting. The band and I have been waiting to tour all this time.

Q: How did you get the name Tift?

A: I was abandoned in a small Portuguese town called Tift. (Laughing.) I'm just kidding. It's actually my middle name. ... It's a family name. ... I'm the first girl to have it. It's quite an honor.