Sadlybeautiful

One of my most treasured discoveries of this year is the beautiful music of Kate York, which is quite a bold statement considering that her debut album isn’t even available yet.

Musically, York’s sound is a healthy texture of traditional folk and Americana, whose success is owed to smart production by Neilson Hubbard and York’s confident, calming voice. And in just a short time, she has somehow mastered that inexplicable magic that music of this genre seems to possess.

Previously living in Hollywood, CA, York originally arrived in Nashville, TN in 1999 for a career in record engineering, but soon found a passion for songwriting. It was after a brief period writing songs for local artists around Nashville that York decided to write them for herself and soon began performing the club scene, quickly earning the praises of songwriters like Mindy Smith and Matthew Ryan.

Released late last year, Kate York’s EP serves as a sampler of what’s to come on her debut album, Sadlylove. And if the five-song collection (which includes an incredible cover of the Cure’s ‘Boys Don’t Cry’)serves as any indication as to what to expect from further releases, then York will surely be a household name in a short time.

‘Wished For Song’ is the perfect track for first-time listeners who will notice York’s incredibly clear and soft voice immediately. Even amid a steady dose of guitar work and percussion, she’s heard perfectly.

The soft and beautifully mellow ‘Stay With Me,’ is possibly what York meant with titling her album ‘Sadlylove.’ Sung in a somber tone, it perfectly captures how well sadness and love go together. Fellow songwriter Mindy Smith makes an equally sweet and complimentary guest appearance.

‘The Right Way’ is a near-definite cut from the upcoming Sadlylove. Although it’s missing from the EP, this is yet another infectious track that will surely whet your appetite for more.

Sitting here with you
Watch the record spin
Round and round it goes,
Just like you and I have been.
                            –Kate York

A steady live performer, York has opened for the likes of Patty Griffin, Jonatha Brooke, Garrison Starr, Matthew Ryan and Shawn Colvin; names that surely bring York’s music to the right audience.

Kate York’s EP is available through both Amazon and Paste Music while her debut album, Sadlylove, is scheduled for release this year.

Downloads:

Wished For Song
Stay With Me (featuring Mindy Smith)
The Right Way

WWW:
Kate York - official site
Paste Music

This Woman’s Work: Brianna Lane

Brianna Lane is a songwriter in the truest form. With her acoustic guitar by her side and her hushed, cozy voice, she creates incredible stories and infectious melodies.

On Radiator, Lane’s second full-length album, she’s rocketing toward making a name for herself.

Her music is decidedly folk, but consistently holds hands with country and rock styles, but never strays too far on either side. Fans of Dar Williams will not be disappointed.

Womenfolk is proud to introduce the fourth in its This Woman’s Work series with the inclusion of Brianna Lane.