Mikaela Davis
“This record is kind of about writing a record,” Mikaela Davis says. The 26-year-old is home in her native Rochester, New York, reflecting on Delivery, her highly anticipated full-length album, as well as the hard journey the classically trained, defiantly original harpist had to travel to become the writer and performer, she was meant to be.
“A lot of these songs came from feeling stuck and also like people were pulling me in a bunch of different directions,” Mikaela says. “I wanted to say, ‘just wait for me. I’ll figure it out.’”
Mikaela’s plea for patience – a little bit sweet, a little bit angry and raw – fed a fierce 10-song collection. A joyride that pulls from rock, 70s and 80s pop, and funk, Delivery manages to be both daring and comfortable, full of not just risks, but hooks.
Produced by Grammy-winner John Congleton (St. Vincent, Angel Olsen, David Byrne, Clap Your Hands Say Yeah), Delivery is a triumphant next chapter. “John tries to find that moment instead of the perfect take,” Mikaela says. “That made it all sound really special.”
Childhood friends Alex Coté (drums, percussion) and Shane McCarthy (bass) play on the record – already close from years of touring. Recently, Mikaela’s ensemble became a family affair with the addition of Shane’s older brother, Cian McCarthy on guitar.
Mikaela’s unconventional path to working songwriter began before high school, growing up in Rochester. With plans to join a symphony, she studied harp performance at Crane School of Music, but halfway through, she decided the traditional harpist’s path wasn’t for her.
Following graduation, Mikaela moved to Brooklyn, following in the footsteps of artists who’ve come before her. But in the city, she could never quite find her footing. She kept busy, toured, and recorded an album that would eventually be shelved. Feeling confused and alone, she retreated back to Rochester, unsure of her next move.
Then, the last place Mikaela wanted to be saved her. Rochester’s artistic community embraced her, encouraged by bandmates including Alex Coté and the group Joywave, she hit her stride. Rochester became Mikaela’s sanctuary.
Delivery benefits from it all. “Now, these songs kind of wonder what I should be doing – it’s me trying to get myself back to why I started writing in the first place,” Mikaela says. “writing made me feel better and safe when the world around me was falling apart.”
“Just let my songs resonate with you somehow. That would make me so happy.”
The Mattson 2
The Mattson 2’s recent output has found them (jazz twins Jared and Jonathan Mattson) evoking the lush and carefree soundscapes of Japanese city pop. Their 2018 release Vaults of Eternity: Japan was full of loving reinterpretations of songs by artists like Haruomi Hosono and Ryuichi Sakamoto, and while their latest LP Paradise doesn’t indulge in sonic excess, it does capture that breezy, sun-filled vibe. It charted Billboard at #1 Contemp. Jazz, #2 Jazz, #20 Alternative and landed features in the Washington Post and Pitchfork. Amongst collabs w/ Ray Barbee, Tommy Guerrero, Farmer Dave (of Kurt Vile), and Money Mark (of Beastie Boys), they released Star Stuff in 2017 with Chaz Bear (FKA Chaz Bundick, AKA Toro Y Moi) — also #1 on Billboard contemp. jazz charts — and reinterpreted Coltrane’s legendary A Love Supreme which Ashely Kahn (author of A Love Supreme: The Creation of John Coltrane’s Classic Album, 2002) says “there is a depth of sincerity and reverence in what the Mattson’s are doing that is unquestionable.”
Remy Reilly
Remy is a Indie Pop singer/songwriter from Dallas, TX.
18-year-old Remy Reilly is not only a singer and songwriter with a voice mature beyond her age, but she also plays the drums and piano. Remy got her start performing all around DFW. Remy’s love for music began early on at the age of 2 with singing. By the time she was just five years old, she was already writing her own music. Inspired by artists like Foster The People, Norah Jones, and The Cure, this teenage powerhouse is a force to be reckoned with and a fresh new face in the Dallas music scene. A songwriter wise beyond her years, Remy’s first single tackles mature topics like bullying and self-love.
“Remy’s songs are really next level, she has killer lyrics and such a cool view of the craft,” said Josh Fleming, frontman of The Vandoliers, “she is going to do great things.”
The debut EP was created locally at Modern Electric Sound Recorders within a year’s time. Reilly teamed up with producers Jason Burt (Medicine Man Revival), Jordache Grant, and Charlie Wiles who helped make her vision come true.
“I’m so thankful for people like Remy in my life to keep my on my toes,” said Burt. “She has a unique songwriting style already and it’s an honor to help her vision; she’s going somewhere fast!”
Here latest release “Lost With Out You” produced by Matt Pence and Sarah Jaffe is out now and in rotation at KXT in Dallas. Her second EP is due out early 2022.