Peter Himmelman, Josh Ritter, Sigur Ros, Emiliana Torrini, Simon and Garfunkel, Ray LaMontagne, Ellis Paul, Nick Drake, Damien Rice, Ella Fitzgerald, Dave Carter, Elliot Smith, Tom Waits, Leonard Cohen, John Prine, Wilco, Sufjan Stevens, Feist, The Decemberists
Sounds Like
Someone you might like to have a cup of tea with. I don't know what that sounds like, but I think tea is fantastic.
Heather Styka's latest release, "Travel and Teacups," features image-based lyrics with a compelling sense of poetry. Her warm, breathy vocals and distinct guitar style hover over an atmosphere of cello, piano, harmonium, and accordion.
Acoustic arrangements and complex lyrics were a natural choice for Styka. Her background is primarily in folk, having received airplay on folk radio shows from Alaska to Australia, California to her native Chicago. When Styka began writing songs at thirteen, the folk music scene provided supportive venues, such as the renowned Two Way Street Coffee House in Downers Grove. "Being a part of the folk scene has inspired me to write songs with depth," says Styka. "The folk community is similar to the poetry community: it's small. But in that intimacy, artists have the freedom to write with more subtle shades of meaning. And the audiences care about lyrics." Styka has garnered the approval of folk veterans such as Tom Paxton. She was selected to perform as part of the juried showcase at Folk Alliance Regional Midwest (FARM) and has been interviewed on Tom May's nationally syndicated program, River City Folk.
Styka's songwriting has been likened to that of Leonard Cohen, John Prine, Ani DiFranco, and Josh Ritter, but she's inspired by artists outside of the folk and singer/songwriter realms. Styka grew up listening to Talking Heads and Carole King, but she was always drawn to the chords and melodies of Celtic music. "And I love classical and jazz," says Styka. "I could listen to Django Reinhardt and Erik Satie all day. I've always wanted to get a tattoo of the last bar of 'Trois Gnossiennes,' but I'm terrified of needles."
As an English major with a focus in creative writing and poetry, Styka appreciates a good story or a poetic image -- and it shows in her songs. Styka's Midwestern background, urban identity, and rural roots are at the forefront of her latest release. There are albums that transform ordinary experiences into moments of cinematic eloquence; this is one of them.
HI Heather, I'm really enjoying your music, thanks for linking up. If you appreciate the music of Norah Jones, Eva Cassidy, Katie Melua and many others in this genre, please have a listen to some of the tracks off my new album, you are sure to enjoy them! Comments are always appreciated. Lisa www.lisahugo.net
I hope you get the chance to listen to the NEW TRACKS I've uploaded and come to SCHUBAS FOR MAY 7th! We're releasing the latest Cd with a full band all nighter! Lots of special guests too! -Phil
Again, a great CD release show. By far, my favorite UG experience. I have been rolling down the road daily with your CD playing -- I'm very impressed with your production choices. Clean, crisp, and a clarity that honors your poetic brilliance.
Congrats on the CD! Sorry I'm not close enough to make your release party. Hope it's awesome. Make sure to send one of your CD's to WKSU-fm. Will we catch you @FARM again this year?
Chicago Farmer will be performing this Friday (March 27th) at The Horseshoe in Chicago! It will be the 1st Chicago performance since December and to celebrate the return Chicago Farmer will be playing a 90 MINUTE SET from 9:30-11pm! Hope to seeya at the Show! Cody (Chicago Farmer)
Friday, March 27th 9:30pm The Horseshoe 4115 N Lincoln Chicago, IL Tickets Only $5 Chicago Farmer 9:30-11pm! W/ Clifton Roy & Folkstringer
thanks, Heather! much appreciated. hey, if you have any last-minute suggestions for a Sun., March 29th place to play in Chicagoland, let me know. And, of course, if you're ever passing near Pittsburgh, let us know. :]
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