In this episode, we get to meet Daughter of Swords, aka Alex Sauser-Monnig. Alex just released a brand new solo album under their Daughter of Swords moniker, appropriately titled Alex, and in this chat, we discuss the record at length, including its varied themes (of both personal and societal contexts), the creation of the record, and also the huge aesthetic shift from their first DoS record, Dawnbreaker. We also talk about their various side projects, like The A's with Sylvan Esso's Amelia Meath, or the trio they and Amelia share with Molly Sarle called Mountain Man. There's also the topic of the booming North Carolina music scene - spearheaded by the Psychic Hotline indie music group led by Sylvan Esso - and what it means for them to be a part of such a special family of talented folks. Thank you for listening.