London-Born Musician Finds Refuge in Red Cloud

Cornelia Murr trades city life for a century-old house that inspired her latest album

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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Cornelia Murr, a London-born musician, traded her hectic life in Los Angeles for a century-old house in the small town of Red Cloud, Nebraska. The house, which she refurbished herself, provided a peaceful refuge that influenced the sound of her latest album, "Run to the Center." Now, a year after the album's release, Murr is returning to Red Cloud to perform at the historic Red Cloud Opera House, feeling a sense of "full-circle" in her journey.

Why it matters

Murr's story highlights how a small town like Red Cloud can provide a creative haven for artists looking to escape the stresses of big city life. Her decision to put down roots in Red Cloud, despite having no prior connection to the area, speaks to the town's ability to attract new residents drawn to its history, community, and natural surroundings.

The details

After living in New York City and Los Angeles, Murr was drawn to Red Cloud when her mother, Pamela Livingston, decided to move there in 2021. Murr then discovered a vacant 1909 house around the corner from her mother's home, which she refurbished herself over the course of a year. The house provided Murr the privacy and space she needed to write and record her latest album, with two tracks being recorded in a small Red Cloud studio. Murr's experience in the town has been marked by the kindness of the community, with neighbors frequently leaving her homemade food.

  • Murr's mother, Pamela Livingston, moved to Red Cloud in 2021.
  • Murr discovered the vacant 1909 house and began refurbishing it over the course of a year.
  • Murr recorded two tracks for her album "Run to the Center" in a Red Cloud studio in 2024.
  • "Run to the Center" was released in February 2025.
  • Murr is returning to Red Cloud to perform at the Red Cloud Opera House on February 13, 2026.

The players

Cornelia Murr

A London-born musician who traded city life for a century-old house in Red Cloud, Nebraska, which influenced her latest album.

Pamela Livingston

Murr's mother, who decided to move to Red Cloud in 2021, which led Murr to discover the house in the town.

Kathy Stockton

Murr's neighbor in Red Cloud, who also moved to the town in 2021 and became friends with Murr.

Wade Leak

A music industry lawyer who has a home in Red Cloud and was excited to have a "legitimate recording artist" in the town.

Rachel Olsen

The director of education and engagement at the Willa Cather Center, who invited Murr to perform at the Red Cloud Opera House.

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What they’re saying

“The record does have something to do with the place. It feels full-circle in a way to play there.”

— Cornelia Murr (The Superior Express)

“Maybe it's a Midwestern thing, but everyone was so kind and friendly compared to everywhere else I'd ever lived. I'd frequently come home to find prepared food on my porch, cookies or spaghetti. It blew me away.”

— Cornelia Murr (The Superior Express)

“As someone who's been going to Red Cloud for 33 years, I'm still amazed at how the town keeps growing and transforming.”

— Wade Leak, Music industry lawyer (The Superior Express)

What’s next

Murr and her band are set to kick off a national headlining tour shortly after their performance at the Red Cloud Opera House on February 13, 2026.

The takeaway

Cornelia Murr's story demonstrates how a small town like Red Cloud can provide a creative refuge for artists looking to escape the hustle and bustle of big city life. Her decision to put down roots in the community and the influence it had on her latest album shows the power of place in shaping an artist's work.