recording artist. Brooks explained: "I was really bored with music, to a point, during the grunge period ... I wasn't interested in being necessarily a part of that, and I wasn't finding a lot of interest for what I was writing about." However, Brooks eventually became re-inspired to go against this prevailing trend in rock music and write songs with a more positive message. Brooks began writing music with her friend, Shelly Peiken, which resulted in a song titled "Bitch". In 1995, Brooks signed to Capitol Records after her manager, Lori Leve, played "Bitch" for the record label's vice president of A&R, Perry Watts-Russell. Recording and production The entirety of the album—sans "Bitch"—was recorded at the Salt Mines and Alpha Studios in Hollywood and Burbank, respectively, and produced by David Ricketts. "Bitch" was recorded at City Lab Sound Design in Hollywood, whilst production on the track was helmed by Geza X. Influenced by guitarists such as Eric Clapton, Lindsey Buckingham, and James Honeyman-Scott, Brooks set out to play lead guitar throughout the entirety of the album. Brooks claimed that Chrissie Hynde was the album's strongest influence and that she was fearful people would view Blurring the Edges as an imitation of Hynde's work. Brooks cited "Pollyanne," a song about expressing positivity when faced with a cynical partner, as most illustrative of her mindset at the time of writing the album. Music and lyrics Brooks described the overall theme of the album as about resurrection. "My Little Town" was inspired by Brooks' experience growing up and moving away from her hometown of Corvallis, Oregon. "Shatter" has a theme of nonconformity, which was inspired by Brooks' efforts to create a record that aligns with her own vision and to not give in to pressures by music industry officials. Release and promotion Blurring the Edges was first released on May 6, 1997 in the United States. Promotion for the album began in April 1997, where Brooks performed across the country at small venues to introduce herself to new audiences. The vice president of marketing at Capitol Records, Steve Rosenblatt, explained: "We're going to send [Brooks] around the country and set up little events where it'll just be Meredith and her music, where she can talk to people and talk about her songs, and then play her songs in a very intimate setting." To further promote the album, Brooks embarked on a month-long tour