Lo Fi

A Novel

By: Liz Riggs

Narrated by: Jesse Vilinsky

“Swoony, sexy, and melancholy. . . a tattered love letter to youth, music, and Nashville.” —Daisy Alpert Florin, author of My Last Innocent Year

In the sweaty music clubs and late-night house parties of Nashville, an aspiring songwriter tries to make friends, find love, and write songs—without losing herself

Most nights, you’ll find Alison Hunter at The Venue, the kind of sweaty Nashville spot that’s on the circuit for bands like Bon Iver and Death Cab. Sounds glamorous—but not for Al, who stamps hands at the door with Julien, the quiet coworker who treats her like a little sister. When she can sneak off, she bums drinks from the tattooed bartender and watches the bands, wondering if she’ll ever finish a song of her own after her disastrous attempt to play in public.

When a once-in-a-century storm hits and her lead singer ex-boyfriend shows up at the door, Al finds herself stuck in a perpetual cycle of late nights, new flings, and old flames. Obsessed with the disappearance of a troubled indie star, she slowly starts to lose it herself—until one reckless night threatens to derail everything. As propulsive and sexy as the rasp of a static-driven amp, Lo Fi is an openhearted tribute to the messy truth of the creative life, the clash of lust and love, and the yearning to be heard.

Critic reviews

Praise for Lo Fi:

“Carefully spun, with gritty insights about the music industry and a young woman’s journey to becoming the songwriter she was always meant to be… A magical novel.”—The Southern Review of Books

“This book simmers with one-line zingers that boil into a can't-put-down stunner of a storyline that’ll have you speed reading to the last page.” —Marie Claire

“Like a sultry country song itself, Lo Fi sees Hunter navigate her way through dating, heartbreak, and difficult but transformational decisions.” —W Magazine

“Lo Fi is a smart and sexy literary rom com that will have you flying through the pages, rooting for Al Hunter as she navigates professional mishaps, sexual escapades, new and complicated friendships.” —GenTwenty

“Riggs’ novel is vital, electric. Al is magnetic, and readers will root for her, eagerly following her triumphs and her heartaches. . . . A dynamic rock song of a novel from an exciting debut author.” —Kirkus Reviews

“Music lovers will devour this.” —Publishers Weekly

“Lo Fi has the intimacy of a Sally Rooney novel and the raw yearning of a Lucinda Williams song. A gorgeous, accomplished novel.” —Louise Kennedy, author of Trespasses and The End of the World is a Cul de Sac

“Swoony, sexy, and melancholy. . . a tattered love letter to youth, music, and Nashville. A portrait of our ‘lo fi’ days, before we come fully into focus, before we know we are worthy of being heard. I loved it.” —Daisy Alpert Florin, author of My Last Innocent Year

“Fabulous . . . perfectly captures the angst and cringeworthy predicaments of navigating hard love and huge heartbreak in your twenties. Music nerds won’t be able to turn away, but you’ll love it even if you’ve never owned a record in your life.” —Jessica Anya Blau, author of Mary Jane

“A backstage pass to late aughts Nashville. . . . A stunning portrait of youth and all its fun yet fraught possibilities, with characters whose chemistry’s as strong as their drinks. Liz Riggs’s prose pulses like the live music in her novel.” —Avery Carpenter Forrey, author of Social Engagement

Nostalgia in Nashville

This book transported me back to my early 20’s. It captures a beautiful time in an amazing city with a love of music. It was an easy listen and I can’t wait to share this book with others.