Artist: Mile Twelve
Hometown: Boston, Massachusetts
Song: “Johnny Oklahoma”
Album: Close Enough to Hear
Release Date: February 3, 2023
In Their Words: “This song combines so many raw materials that have been rattling around in my head for years. Shirley Jackson’s short story ‘The Lottery’ about the ritual stoning of an innocent person chosen at random, in order to keep the rest of the town safe. Lawnchair Larry who flew attached only to helium balloons. Casey at the Bat who seemed so mythic and invincible until he struck out. And finally the Irish folk song ‘Mrs. McGrath,’ in which a mother mourns the loss of her son’s legs in a battle overseas. Johnny Oklahoma is in the prime of his life when he decides to sacrifice everything for his community by being blasted out of a cannon and straight into kingdom come.” — Evan Murphy, Mile Twelve
Photo Credit: Dave Green Photography
