Linda Perry’s “Let It Die Here”: Return to Solo Music After 27 Years

On 9 May 2024, Linda Perry released her first solo album in 27 years, *Let It Die Here*, alongside a feature documentary of the same name directed by Don Hardy. The film follows Perry’s three-week songwriting burst after her mother’s death and records the album’s 12 tracks, including a new version of “Beautiful.” U.S. cinema screenings began the same day, with a London showing slated for 21 June.

The Independent

Perry rose to prominence as 4 Non Blondes’ lead vocalist; their 1993 hit “What’s Up?” has surpassed one billion Spotify streams. After the band split in 1994, she became a sought-after writer-producer, penning Pink’s “Get the Party Started” (2001) and Christina Aguilera’s Grammy-winning “Beautiful” (2002). Her production work earned a Grammy nomination for Best Production (Non-Classical), placing her among only six women ever nominated.

The Independent

The album includes a band, string section, backing singers, and Perry’s rendition of “Beautiful.” All 12 tracks were written in three weeks. Perry’s catalog of over 30 chart-topping singles underscores her status as one of the few Grammy-nominated women producers.

The Independent

Perry calls the record a therapeutic response to caring for her mother, Marluce, in her final months, describing it as “freeing, full circle, and a closure I never thought I would ever experience.” She says the album’s rawness reflects her identity as an out lesbian and her LGBTQ+ solidarity, while also critiquing an industry that prioritizes social-media metrics over artistic depth.

The Independent

Perry said she “opened a window and all the birds flew in,” sparking the three-week creative burst. She emphasized that fans seek her for emotion, not formulaic hits, and that the documentary is a candid record of her grieving, not a “fluff piece.”

Out Magazine

Perry argues that labels now sign artists mainly for follower counts, stating, “There’s people that shouldn’t be out there playing music. Labels are ridiculous. All they do is sign people that have followers now.” She also laments the loss of “rock star” intimacy to algorithm-driven pop.

Out Magazine

The Independent cites Marluce Perry’s death as occurring in December 2022, while *Out* reports the loss in 2023, leaving the exact date unverified.

The Independent

• “The hats feel like armour to me, they feel protective,” — Linda Perry, Singer-songwriter

The Independent

• “I’m not studying how to write a hit,” she continues.” — Linda Perry

The Independent

• “I come from a very different place musically. This album is very deep, very personal, and very emotional. My mother passed and all of these emotions showed up. I come from a place of honesty. I'm not the person you go to for hits. If you want depth, I'm the person you come to,” — Linda Perry

Out Magazine

• “I didn't set out to make a documentary.” — Linda Perry

Out Magazine

Perry is reuniting with 4 Non Blondes to record a second album slated for later this year, and the documentary will continue its festival circuit through summer.

The Independent