Co- Pro with M’boro Town Hall
From Johnson City Tennessee, Amythyst Kiah describes herself as a Southern Gothic, alt-country blues singer-songwriter whose influences span decades and diverse styles. Combining rhythm and blues, country and old-time covers alongside startling originals with an angular contemporary twist, she bestrides both musical spheres with complete authenticity and an authority matched only by her commanding stage presence. Channelled through her massively expressive voice, her richly layered repertoire confirms Amythyst’s emergence as a hugely distinctive new artist who is currently making waves on both sides of the Atlantic.
Three UK tours since 2016 have earned huge acclaim at Hebcelt, Edinburgh Jazz, SummerTyne, Southern Fried, River Town and Celtic Connections festivals amongst many others. Recent performances in the US, where her star is very much on the rise, include special guest slots with Rhiannon Giddens, Indigo Girls, Old Crow Medicine Show and Valerie June. She played Cambridge Folk Festival for a third successive year in 2018 as one of guest curators Rhiannon Giddens’ picks and stormed the festival as a returning heroine.
She’s set for a big 2019 as part of Our Native Daughters, a collaborative project with Rhiannon Giddens, Leyla McCall and Alli Russell which explores the historical experience of black women in the US released to great acclaim in February. Amythsyt wrote and sung the a lead on the album, Black Myself, a hugely powerful anthem-in-waiting:
Her new solo album, recorded and produced in Louisiana by Dirk Powell, will be released in the autumn.
“A standout performance…her razor-sharp guitar picking alone guarantees her a place among blues masters, but it’s her deep-hued voice that can change on a dime from brushed steel to melted toffee that commands attention.” New York Times
“She has rising talent written all over her. A 29-year-old with a striking shock of hair and a huskily expressive voice which modulates between strength and tenderness, Kiah strides comfortably across jazz, blues and even country styles.” The Scotsman
“Amythyst Kiah is going to be famous…the best way to experience her music is in person. I don’t think it’s an understatement to say that Amythyst Kiah will remind you what it is to love live music.” No Depression
“Old time music, country and blues is woven together with a jaw dropping voice and a natural gift for story telling…from the moment she first opens her mouth you know you’re in for a helluva ride.” musicOMH
“Another highlight was Amythyst Kiah…a bold Nina Simone voice” The Guardian
“The high priestess of Southern Gothic. Amazing stage presence.“ Mark Radcliffe, BBC Radio 2
“Heiress to a lineage of black women in folk like Joan Armatrading and Tracy Chapman.” Paste
“Kiah’s a comet and her time to fly is now. Imagine a Southern-belting Dinah Washington, graced with a twang and a tear in her voice. Applied to rock, folk, blues, old-time — and whatever the heck else she wants to tackle, that’s Kiah’s voice. America is listening… Kiah’s about to conquer more than just her own backyard.” Bristol Herald Courier
Support comes from Tony Bengtsson
North East-based Americana/Folk artist Tony Bengtsson’s hook-laden songs are “remarkable to say the least” (Maverick Magazine) and his voice has been described as “the best for country outside of America” (Dan Walsh – premier UK banjo player).