music community Archives

Feb 05

A Song For My Sister

By Kate Burkart bandcamp, experiences, music community, musings, new releases

I wrote “Closer Away” when I lost my sister Jacqueline in a sudden accident in 2018. This song has been through some changes along the way, but I finally feel like it’s ready to be shared. You can stream or download it on Bandcamp

There’s also a video for this song on YouTube.
Our family and friends will recognize many of the images — including some that they’ve created. This was really written for them. I’ve chosen to share it more widely because so many people I know have lost loved ones over the last few years.

It was so cathartic to work on this song, especially the video. I’m honestly not sure how I’d get through without music.
This one’s for you, Jac.

Nov 05

Love0

Time slips by…

By Kate Burkart experiences, local music scene, music community, musings

I’m not sure how, but suddenly we’re staring at 2021 coming to a close. Some of the strangest times any of us have been through…I think that’s safe to say. Speaking of safe, my bandmates and I have made it through this pandemic so far (with ongoing vigilance), getting together to play outdoors, making each other laugh over the phone, and staying as connected as possible. Which is good, because they are some of my very favorite people on the planet. We’re currently rehearsing for a couple of outdoor shows (November / December), and there are a few other interesting things percolating that it’s too soon to discuss. But there will be some recording and, I hope, plenty more shows. I’m so grateful to those that have made the effort to stay in touch and nourish our friendships, when it’s much easier to just hunker down, look out the window, and hopelessly shake our heads. I’d rather keep the faith, keep in touch, and turn the volume way up on the stereo.

Apr 11

Love0

Knockin’ the Rust Off

By Kate Burkart local music scene, music community, musings, new releases

We knew this time would come. PA and power strips in the backyard. Bandmates vaccinated and ready to see each other’s faces, hear each other’s voices, and play together again. It’s time to knock the rust off, and remember what it feels like to be a band. As things start opening up at the beloved venues that have survived (and perhaps some new ones), we’ll be ready.

Other projects are in the works as well. In early May I’ll be recording the vocal for a beautiful song called “Wyoming Sky”, written by my friend Richard Lodwig of the band Tremolo Saints. Also, a piano-based song that I wrote following the sudden passing of my little sister is coming to fruition. I’m working on this one with my friend Jerry Becker, who produced my first album “Faith To Fall”… thrilled to have him on board for this very personal endeavor.

Finding our way back will take time, and things may look pretty different. But we can start now, with eyes on that shimmering light, out there at the end of the tunnel.

Oct 16

Love0

“Twisted Wind” – my new single

By Kate Burkart bandcamp, experiences, music community, new releases, video

“Twisted Wind” was written in April 2020, as we were just beginning to grasp what this pandemic would mean, and the damage it could cause. With no real end in sight, we’ve added wildfires in the West and an ongoing political shitstorm to the mix.

I wrote this song hoping to capture this endless loop that life has become…trying to think logically, stay productive, and maintain some version of faith, as we’re buffeted from moment to moment by forces that twist our thinking and sap our strength.

I don’t know how this story will end, but I do know that music is a force all its own. Let’s hold onto it…and each other.

Watch, listen, download and stream below.

Video

Download

Apr 09

Love0

Suspension

By Kate Burkart experiences, local music scene, music community, musings

Like an accident unfolding in painfully slow motion, we watched as live music came to a stop. The plugging in, the tuning up, filling out the bill, should we extend the solo, who’s making the flyer, that sound guy was amazing, and which harmony do you like better… so much concentration, energy and anticipation, all just … stopped. It took a while to sink in, even as we watched it happen. While we talked about it, updated our social media, and stared in disbelief at our calendars, our gear, ourselves in the mirror. The days and nights blended into a strange collective dream.
Then very gradually, after many months of anxiety-drenched suspension, it was over. We emerged, blinking in the sunlight, like creatures coming up from underground. We stretched our fingers, shifted our muscles, and dusted ourselves – and our instruments – off. Tentatively, then with exhilaration, we affirmed the pulse that got stronger with every touch. Until finally, we found ourselves back where we belonged. With our people, in the clubs, the rehearsal spaces, the recording studios, on the stages and the barstools. We met each other’s eyes, smiled our survivor smiles, then hugged a little harder and a little longer than we used to.

Mar 10

Love0

Feels like community

By Kate Burkart local music scene, music community

I must admit that I haven’t been very good about posting updates here. Between the day job and being a bandleader, most of my introspection happens while driving, or working out – pretty far from the keyboard. But one constant theme running through recent that nights I’m out supporting live music (which, thankfully, have become more frequent) is that it really does feel like we have a true music community going. More and more, I walk into the bar (often solo) and am greeted by folks I’ve shared bills with, recorded with, or played with at one time or another, and it just. feels. good. It hasn’t always been this way. Maybe it’s just the specific scene I’m making lately…it’s hard not to notice that most of these bands are fronted by smart, interesting, talented women. Let’s face it, longevity in any music scene is tricky, and it takes pretty thick skin to keep your spirits up sometimes. Right now, mine are up … see you out there.