Acclaimed by Encore Magazine as a “lyrical genius,” Portland, Ore-based singer/songwriter Katie Sawicki not only sets the stage for musical brilliance—she transcends it into a platform upon which emotions, ranging from malaise to hopefulness, take on a melodic form.
No stranger to blazing her own trail both on and off the stage, Sawicki retains an uncompromised authenticity as an indie musical artist. Born in Connecticut, Sawicki moved to Portland in 2008 from Brooklyn, N.Y.
“I wanted a fresh start,” said Sawicki, a self-taught guitarist. “On my first national tour, I fell in love with Portland and ended up leaving Brooklyn to move out west.” Not only has Sawicki established herself as a namesake in the Portland music scene, but she has gained traction and clout on a national level, as well.
Her newest compilation and fourth release, The Cabin Project, features 10 songs written by Sawicki herself. Released in December 2010 to a loyal following at Portland’s Mississippi Studios, the album serves as the debut of Sawicki’s band, the Cabin Project, drawing upon instruments ranging from the piano, to the banjo, to the accordion. The raw and eclectic content of the album represents the soulful nature that sets indie music apart from its mainstream counterparts. According to the article, "Katie Sawicki Unveils 'The Cabin Project' at Mississippi Studios Tonight," published on OregonMusicNews.com, Sawicki describes this album as her most "genuine and positive" work to-date, from a lyrical standpoint.
Some of Portland’s brightest musical talents, including Kristen Gass, Kendra Carpenter, Max Voltage, Zanny Geffel and Adam Sweeney collaborated throughout 2010 to form The Cabin Project and record the album. Sawicki’s emotive vocal fluidity complements the album’s percussive, yet ambient, tone. Candid lyrics and gentle vocals top it off, evoking an idyllic experience for the listener.
“Let The Record Show,” begins with a meditative opening by Carpenter on cello and Sawicki on guitar before she enters on vocals in her characteristic ethereal fashion. Punctuated by pensive anthems, Sawicki draws the listener in as the song crescendos to a complex layering of instruments, percussion and vocals. The album continues with themes ranging from newfound wisdom to positive reflections on life and relationships.
Sawicki and her band will perform songs from The Cabin Project at 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Mar. 23, 2011, at Mississippi Studios, located at 3939 North Mississippi Avenue in Portland. To purchase tickets to the show, visit Mississippi Studios online. More information about Katie Sawicki, including tour dates and samples from her prior album releases, can be found on her website.
Join the Conversation