Living Room Performance: Katie Herzig "Wish You Well"

Katie Herzig - "Wish You Well"

Fillmore Auditorium, San Fransisco, CA

2011



Nashville transplant Katie Herzig is in my opinion one of the greatest singer songwriter to emerge on the scene in the last 10 years. Propelled by her beautiful voice, her songs can be energetically fun or touchingly honest. Live her sincerity and grace are apparent and the artists she surrounds herself with are of the highest caliber. Having gained well deserved exposure in the last few years Herzig is primed to breakout so discover her now and be part of the success of such an amazing artist.

About Last Night: Katie Herzig @ The Aladdin Theater 05/06

Last night I was reminded that part of the joy of live music is the total experience of it; the who's, the what and  the hows of it all. A lot of times I review shows alone, tucked into the crowd just a guy with a camera and a little black book jotting down notes. If  I'm lucky though, sometimes I get to share the experience. In the case of Katie Herzig at the Aladdin Theater my wife and, even more special, my 11 year old daughter. It was neat to experience the show through her eyes. I thought she'd explode when after finding out that we weren't stuck in the balcony, were able to find three seats in the second row. I have to say that a certain joy washed over me at her entranced expression as the house lights dimmed and Andrew Bell took the stage for his opening set.    


 Cheerfully playful with the audience, Andrew Bell had a wonderful performance demeanor. Like a mainland Jack Johnson; but instead of a tropical paradise, Bell's sound was clearly cultivated in a more realistic setting  Filled with songs that  though lyrically sad still express a very comfortable feel. His set started off the night perfectly. Bell's voice washing over the audience in soft waves, his lyrics mingling with our thoughts as all good stories do. Both solo and backed by members of Kaite Herzig's band,(Jordan Hamlin; guitar, Billy Brimblecom; drums, and Greg Lafollette; bass) .  Andrew Bell's opening performance was awesomely executed  leaving those of us unfamiliar with him pleasantly impressed.


In perfect Portland fashion the theater filled in significantly during the intermission, providing a fairly good showing for a Sunday night. A testament to the ground work Katie Herzig has laid in her fairly frequent visits to our city. More accustomed to the Doug Fir Lounge, the acoustics of the Aladdin Theater wonderfully embraced her music like an old friend. Aladdin is an odd venue at times so, it's a wonderful treat when an artists sound fits it perfectly.

Coming out of the gates with a untypical flurry, Herzig pushed through her first three songs with a focused conviction that amped up the energy of the room. It was almost as if she had a monkey to get off her back.

Once the initial burst subsided Herzig settled into a consistently relaxed pace that mixed a showing of her songs from the better part of her last two albums. From the soft ache of "I Hurt Too" to the playful energy of the crowd Favorite "Hey Na Na." the set list highlighted the multiple layers of Herzig's music and the amazing skills of the musicians she surrounds herself with. Jordan Hamlin in particular, who during the stent of their set played the better half of a music store. Not to be over looked, each of the band members displayed multiple instrumental skills which allowed for a uniquely flexible and polished performance. In addition to their remarkable skill, it was apparent that this group of people truly enjoyed each others company. Their genuine comradery was apparent in their on stage comfort and playfulness. From the Erythmics/White Stripes cover smash up, an impromptu rap from bassist Greg Lafollette, to Hamlin's NAMM worthy demonstration of her newest effects petal the play of the band showed that in addition to amazing musician these indiviules were wonderfully human as well.  

A truly awesome show that even my daughter ranks as her all time favorite concert; a big deal since Kaite Herzig rates higher than the Jonas Brothers.             
     

10 Questions: Katie Herzig

Katie Herzig is an amazing song writer that has been building momentum over the last few years, with touring spots with Brandi Carlile and an amazing new album The Waking Sleep that came out late last year. Katie will be playing too shows her in Portland on May 6th. The first is a free in-store performance at Music Millennium followed by a show later that evening at the Aladdin Theater. Katie was kind enough to speak with us about her new album and her love of Portland.

BLS: Your new album The Waking Sleep is populated with playfully energetic songs. Emotionally what was the difference in your creative process?

KH: It was a deeper more personal process. It combined the production of more recent experiences I have had creating music for TV and using some of those tools and ways to create a personal album.

BLS: What do you enjoy the most about the new album The Waking Sleep?

KH: For me it’s just that it is enjoyable to listen to. I wanted to create a record that I could listen to and enjoy and one that I wouldn’t be sick of by the time I finished recording it. A lot of that comes from creating the music, the movements and the arrangements for the music. It was the energy and the dynamics that was compelling to me. Knowing that it was compelling to me, hopefully it will be compelling to others as well.

BLS: You have said that the new album has a global view. What do you think has broadened your topical prospective?

KH: There is a lot going on all over the world, not just in our country and we are in a time where global events really affect how we live our lives. It affects our own personal stories and emotionally what we are feeling. I know that these systems weigh heavily upon me and outside of my own personal relationships I think about these things a lot. A lot of people are affected by it. So I was trying to see what those feelings were and write about them.

BLS: In the last year and a half, you have experienced an explosion of commercial exposure, from the use of your music in TV and Movies as well as a national commercial spot. How has this affected your artistic experience?

KH: I’m still creating music the same way and that’s from my gut. I’m always influenced by the music I’m listening to. In terms of having particular songs get attention for a certain placement, that’s just a reminder to me of the kind of songs that people connect to. It inspires me to create more of that type of music. The energy that it brings to my career is good.

BLS: The Waking Sleep is the second album that you’ve produced with Cason Cooley. What is it about his particular creative process that affects your music?

KH: He is a producer that is really easy to work with because he’s very sensitive to the process of each individual artist. He’s willing to work different ways depending on the artists’ strengths and weaknesses. With me he recognizes that I’m good at starting tracks and making them on my own because I’m very hands on in producing a song from sound. What he’s found is really helpful for me is to let me do those things on my own and then he comes along and defines it, tightens it up, and emphasizes whatever elements are working best. Almost like what a great editor will do for a writer. I feel like he’s humble enough and confident enough as a producer to not have to be heavy handed in what he does. He’s really just an enhancer of whomever he works with, bringing out the best in people.

BLS: You've been involved the past few years with the Ten Out of Tenn. Tour. Tell us what it’s all about?

KH: Basically its ten solo artists from Nashville that get together once and a while and head out on tour. The lineup changes here and there but it’s meant to showcase the music that coming out of Nashville that’s doesn’t fit in the country music genera. The point is to show that there is other good music coming out of Nashville. It has the whole strength in numbers vibe about it and is a very collaborative thing. The show is set up that each artist plays two songs of their own and then we’re all each others bands. Singing along and playing with each other. So it’s very collaborative and very high energy. It’s fun because we all have our own fans out there and they end up at the same place. We get the chance to introduce them to other artists. So we all like it for that reason.

BLS: You can play many instruments and showcase these abilities on the new album. Is there any instrument that you currently can’t play that you would like to learn?

KH: I would love to learn to play stringed instruments like the cello or the violin. I have always really loved the sound of those instruments and would love to learn how to play them.

BLS: You have been an advocate for several community outreach programs including the water project. What future influence would you like to have on your fans through this work and your music?

KH: There is something with this record that is aligning with that idea in regards to what it’s saying lyrically, to encourage people to do those sorts of things (getting involved). For me personally, I’m encouraging myself to be more involved and to do something when I see that a change needs to be made. If you see something that needs a change, that you do something about it. Speak up for yourself. I’m saying those things to myself just as much to anybody else. That’s where it starts, with me encouraging myself to live creatively and heartfully. My involvement raising money for the water wells in Africa has been going on for several years now. A lot of my fans endorse me and have helped me raise money; it’s probably one of the best things about doing what I do and that’s making a difference.

BLS: By the Light of the Stereo is based in Portland Oregon and I know that you’ve been through here a few times recently. Is there a certain thing about Portland that you really like?

KH: I love Portland so much. I find myself in your little neighborhoods, with your little groceries and local restaurants. The food is amazing. It’s so beautiful and the vibe is so laid back. It makes you want to live their. I always look forward to stopping in Portland. One place we really like is the food carts. We’ve been there a few times after shows and any town that’s got stuff like that is doing something right.

BLS: Name 5 bands you love but who few people have heard of?

KH: Some of these bands have been heard of more than others but here you go:
James Blake
Gotye
k.s. Rhoads
Butterfly Boucher
Matthew Perryman Jones

The Triple Crown: 04/23 -05/06

I know April is all about the environment, but I'd like to petition that the latter part of the month and the first part of May should be dedicated to the amazing women of  rock'n'roll. So this Triple Crown is has three concretes that showcase some outstanding female acts gracing Portland.

Saturday, April 28th
Thundering Asteroids!
48 Thrills / The Food / The Vacillators
Club 21
2035 NE Glisan
Show:9PM
Free!!
21 & Over

If you are anything like me you have those moments where you realize that an unfair amount of your brain is filled with unprofitable pop culture trivia rather than rocket science. If that's the case, then you're going to love the Thundering Asteroids!. Littered with enough TV, movie and video game references to make your head spin this Portland band has a unique style they have affectionately dubbed:  geek-core.   Lead by the skater vixen Minn this band is having a blast putting the fun back in punk rock.Whether you're already a fan or just curious, make sure you don't miss this show as the band says goodbye to their drummer and will be taking the next few months off. Populated with a line-up of bands that all love playing with each other this is certain to be a night to remember. Heck it doesn't cost a thing, so how can you say no. 
 







Friday, May 4th
Girl In A Coma
Pinata Protest/ Sara Radle
Dante's
1 SW 3rd Ave.
Doors: 8PM /Show: 9PM
Adv.:$10
21 & Over

Darkly brooding and viciously wild at times the band Girl in a Coma seems like a wounded beast; ready to bite at anyone who ventures too close. If you've ever caught them live, it's no mystery why Joan Jett, signed them to her Blackhearts Records label. I'm sure they reminded her of her younger self, all spit and vinegar and hell bent to take on the world. It's a treat to see three women as talented as these rocking the crap out of their instruments and leaving the bloody wreckage of their hearts on the stage. Playing at Dante's, I can't think of a better venue to see this band. I caught them one of the last times they were in town and they were truly worth the money.
Join them on stage is the one woman tour de force Sara Radle and the Mexicali boarder punk of fellow Texans Pinata Protest. With music like this you got to shake off those working blues and get your weekend started right.       

Sunday, May 6th
Katie Herzig
Andrew Belle
Aladdin Theater
3017 SE Milwaukie Ave
Doors:7PM/ Show:8PM
Adv.:$15 / Day Of:$15
Minors Accompanied By Parents

Katie Herzig is a sweet souled songwriter of the highest caliber, and any time you can catch her wonderfully honest live show is a must. Finding the perfect balance between compelling song writing and pop-playfulness Herzig's music is mature enough for a more discerning audience and yet ripe with a child like wonderment potent enough to put a smile on any ones face. Blessed with a beautiful voice and a job she loves. it's apparent she loves to me on stage as much to sing as connecting with the people in the crowd. I can't think of an artist that seems to be as genuinely as nice when performing. It's that kindness and human quality that makes it such a joy to see her live. I can't wait to see her soar in the wonderful settings of the Aladdin Theater, not to mention this all ages show will allow my 12 year-old daughter, a huge fan, the opportunity to see her live. So bring the family and take in this terrific artist.    

Tuesday Double Feature: Katie Herzig "Hey Na Na" & Ingrid Michaelson "Parachute"

I've always had a soft spot of female songwriters. So this week's Double Feature showcases two amazingly talented women who are making great music and earning a name for themselves.

Kate Herzig - "Hey Na Na"

Beautifully fun and off the wall, it describes the video as well as her music.



A wonderful singer songwriter Katie Herzig has toured with Brandi Carlile and her music has been tagged for used in several TV Shows and movies. Her latest album The Waking Sleep is scheduled to be out September and is on my list(as well as my wife and 10 year old daughter's)of most anticipated CD's of summer.

Ingrid Michaelson - "Parachute"

The original video for the single Parachute, except no other.



In 2006 Ingrid Michaelson's song "Breakable" was used in an episode of Grey's Anatomy and ever since her career has sky rocketed and there's no looking back. Working on the final touches to her latest album. I, like so many others,am hoping that it will be ready to release sometime this fall and if "Parachute" is any indication, than we have great things in store.