Indiana

About the Artist
Maine native and self-made pianist / singer / songwriter, Kate Schrock has been building a devoted audience with her ‘do-it-yourself’ approach and attitude. On her own independent label, Kakelane Music, she has produced and released five critically acclaimed albums. Refuge, released in 1994, Shunyata in 1997 and Dames Rocket in 2000. In 2001 Kate released a live CD entitled, ‘Live From The Majestic". And now in 2003, Kate is releasing, INDIANA. Her songs have graced many compilation CDs and movie soundtracks including the 1999 release of MGM’s Carrie II The Rage. Billboard Talent Net cited Kate as one of the best new artists in the year 2000. Her songs can be heard on NPR and community radio stations across the US, and in such popular TV series such as ‘Felicity’. Currently, Kate has joined up with Hamilton, Ontario producer / engineer team, Dave DesRoches and Glen Marshall (whose credits include work with Daniel Lanois and Brian Eno) to complete a brand new album, entitled ‘INDIANA’ , which is being released early 2003.

Kate Schrock blends rock, jazz and gospel with a pop angle to create dark emotional melodies and musical textures. Critics have called her, ‘Fiona Apple without the weirdness’ and ’ Tori Amos without the fairy dust’. They say she sings kind of like Aimee Mann and writes kind of like Joni Mitchell’ but if you add these claims up, they do not encompass what is ‘Kate Schrock’. She’s all of this and a lot more. Kate’s upcoming 4th studio release adds the gritty feel of a contemporary Dylan album or an older album of ‘The Band’. Those who work with her call her music, ‘cinematic’.

Kate has shared the stage with legendary artists such as Stephen Stills, Taj Mahal, Sophie B. Hawkins, Wayne Kramer and Mick Taylor of The Rolling Stones. In the summer of 2001, Kate toured with guitar virtuoso, Monte Montgomery and performed as special guest for the BoDeans on several occasions in front of a sold out crowds (over 10,000 at Ravinia last summer). Kate was also extraordinarily well received this spring for her debut performance at the respected Birchmere, in Alexandria, Virginia. Kate is an accessible and dynamic performer ~ often making an audience lose themselves in laughter in between songs laced with candor, unnerving insight & naked introspection.

Kate has carved out a truly grassroots music career, after many detours: a stint as a model in New York and Paris, some time building wooden lobster boats, 4 years studying philosophy and theatre, and spending many, many nights of performing her music, in large and small rooms across the US. All throughout her journey, she has kept a wild sense of humor and a lust for life. "The rewards of this business are in the art itself and the little moments along the way...The richness is always in the process and the story you live and in the lives you touch and are touched by."

Influenced by such artists as Kate Bush, Bob Dylan, Rickie Lee Jones, The Rolling Stones, The Who and The Beatles and inspired by the independence of such artists as Ani DiFranco, Kate has developed into a testimonial songwriter with a unique edge, placing weight not only on honest introspection and reflection, but on groove and melodic depth as well. She notes the value of ‘music infused with truth and beauty as opposed to ambition’, which contaminates most of what we are fed as aural consumer’s today.

Kate’s approach is in tradition with legendary songwriters such as Joni Mitchell, in which life and truth fuel her poetry and create the basis for her music. Like Mitchell, Kate is also a painter and claims her visual art is inextricably connected to her songwriting. Her paintings grace the covers of both Shunyata and Dames Rocket. Her label is headquartered from her home in Southern Maine.

Product Description
In 1995 Kate Schrock changed the landscape of the local scene with her release of "Refuge," her spare piano playing (less the occasional jazz flourishes), strong melodic instincts and powerful lyrics quickly catapulting her onto the local and national scene. Shortly thereafter she moved to Chicago, released two more CDs and amassed a large following of ardent fans. A couple of years ago Schrock quietly moved back to Maine, and this week releases her most powerful work to date, "Indiana." Not since "Refuge" have I enjoyed Schrock as much. The gospel-like chord progressions that at times have felt formulaic and repetitive are better balanced, less formulaic and given more melodic focus, opening up the songs to allow Schrock's voice to soar. And when set loose, as in the beautifully crafted "Bird on a Wing," you feel as if you are passing into another dimension of Kate Schrock that up until now has only revealed itself in tantalizing glimpses. A gifted lyricist whose songs play like small vignettes, Schrock's theme remains focused on matters of the heart. Her songs have the power of short stories, casts in small harbor towns where love provides the only reprieve. At times dreamy, at other times self-reflective with tinges of sorrow and regret, Schrock lays bare the feelings and doubts too often thrown aside. Brutally honest and frank, "Indiana" is a nice addition for those whose CD collection is heavy on the Tori Amos, Aimee Mann, Fiona Apple and Joni Mitchell. Schrock traveled to Ontario to record and produce "Indiana," working with the producer/engineer team of Dave DesRoches and Glen Marshall, whose credits include Daniel Lanois and Brian Eno. I counted 15 musicians credited in the liner notes, as well as a couple of co-writing credits. This is still very much Schrock's CD, but the production quality and arrangements, especially within the large spaces that Schrock creates with her piano playing, are extremely well-done

Indiana,Kate Schrock,Bullseye Canada,Piano-driven roots rock with folk, gospel and jazz influence,Pop,Rock,Rock/Pop

Rock Music: