Miranda Lee Richards' songwriting career was shaped by her bohemian San Francisco upbringing. Her first demo, recorded in Kirk Hammett's basement, led to a temporary association with the Brian Jonestown Massacre. A second demo secured her a deal with Virgin. Her debut album, The Herethereafter (2001), was softer than anything by BJM but nonetheless influenced by the music of the '60s and alternative sensibilities. Songs from the album were licensed for movies and TV shows, allowing her the freedom to tour for several years before recording Light of X (2009). Aside from the single "The Reach" (2012), little was heard from Richards until the release of Echoes of the Dreamtime (2016). With moments of lusher psychedelia, Existential Beast (2017) followed quickly. ~ JT Griffith