Blair has been a staple of the New Orleans’ music scene for the last seven years. She began performing at local coffee houses and open mic nights when she was only 16. By 18, Blair found herself performing at some of her hometown’s most venerable rock clubs such as the Howlin Wolf and House of Blues. Opting to wait until after college to make music her full-time occupation, Blair would sneak away between classes as a philosophy major at Loyola University New Orleans to the university's music building to hone her skills at writing and performing. She was also able to open up for some of the country’s most popular indie bands stopping through New Orleans, such as Cat Power, Calexico, and Bright Eyes. With summer of 2007 approaching, Blair has established a dedicated local fan base, finished her philosophical studies, and has a four-song EP “in the can” set for summer release (produced by Keith Ferguson of World Leader Pretend). For the first time in Blair’s life, there is a freedom to go forward, without a net, and focus solely on her music with the upcoming release of Pluto.
In late 2006 scientists decided Pluto would no longer be considered a planet. To many, this declaration was the celestial equivalent of learning that Santa Claus doesn’t exist. Blair, however, saw the new classification as a metaphor for life in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina.
“Something is one way all your life, then all of a sudden, it totally changes.”
Just as Pluto is no longer considered a planet, Blair’s new EP, Pluto, is titled after the sudden and drastic changes she experienced in New Orleans after the hurricane. A marriage of alt-country and folk-tinged pop music - combined with a captivating falsetto voice - Pluto aims to create the same kind of intimacy between listener that she recalls from her first experiences listening to rock and pop radio. A personal expression during Blair’s transformation from youth to adulthood, Pluto is a personal snapshot of a place in time. And hopefully, indication of what the future holds.
"Blair cites Neil Young as a primary influence, but she owes as much to early Liz Phair, with whom she shares a meandering singing style and a lyrical bluntness that sounds at once suggestive and wounded." NPR
"Young, driven, and filled with Southern goodness, Blair's alt-country cuts are packed with the same sorrow and hope as indie-folk brethren like Bright Eyes and Cat Power" Flavorpill
"Despite the former ninth planet’s humiliating reclassification as a mere asteroid, the arrival of Pluto (the CD) is a welcome consolation prize." LA Weekly
"...Blair, 23, brings a talent for crafting her songs -- a delicate cross between alt-country and folk-tinged indie-pop -- to her first, self-titled EP that seems almost beyond her years." Gambit Weekly
"She has an unassuming musical presence and a modest charm that never flaunts her talent and wit, instead allowing the listener to happily stumble upon them." The Owl Mag
After listening to your EP for what must have been the 1.000th time I felt the urge to tell you that I think your music is f***ing awesome and I am really looking forward to that full-length you are obviously working on.
great running into you the other day! what a nice surprise. good luck with everything this summer, and seriously give me a call. i will probably be busy in dissertation-land, but at least i'll know someone cool out there hasn't forgotten me ;)
Hey Blair, Enough of this not playing any shows in NYC. I finally did what needed doing, and I'm living on my own in Harlem. Joined a Brooklyn kickball team. Life is awesome! Come visit...
You had me at New Orleans. I am sooo smitten. Awesome songs. So yes. Let me know when you have an opening on your dance card and we'll do the same for you.
First I overcame the whole Blair from 'The Facts Of Life' stigma...then as soon as that went away, BAM...out comes the Blair Witch Project...and NOW I am ALWAYS getting confused for that talented singer/songwriter in Silverlake...well not always, or ever actually...but it could happen ;-)
Blair, that new video sketch needs some bacon or...beans...or something. i can't feel it without some real meat and bones know what i mean...yea you know. see you soon. can't wait.
great set the other night in Silverlake...you sounded great...and my name is Blair too by the way, don't worry...i have no plans to take legal action ;-)
She is the coolest east of the Mississippi. A southern bell but it will take work and I agree that the rebirth has come from the people. Believe. Come see a Happy Mardi Gras. Peace from New Orleans.
