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Based in Maine, singer/songwriter Kate Schrock writes songs
that resonate with emotion. Her haunting, ethereal voice anchors
her well-crafted and complex music. Schrock works with layers,
unusual compositions and strong lyrics. Her latest effort,
Dames Rocket, showcases her beautiful, mesmerizing voice and
often heart-wrenching compositions.
“Lose Myself’ haunts with its dark vocal style
and memorable chorus: “I’ve traveled so far to
lose myself.” The simple, wistful way that Schrock sings
this song draws the listener to her immediately. With “Mission
Beach”, she achingly sings, “I miss you too much
to speak of / each day gets a little bit worse.” That
statement has so many meanings and speaks volumes. Self-production
allows Schrock to control everything. She delves into self-exploration
and acceptance with the stunning, honest “Anything in
the World.” The mixes of piano, bass, percussion, trumpet,
trombone, saxophone, and organ on various tracks add to the
intimacy and sultry attitude that Schrock exudes from every
angle on this album.
“A good song is lyrically driven with an unusual chord
structure that is going somewhere unpredictable,” Schrock
explained from her country setting. “It’s going
the path least tread and having the ability to leave a lot
to the listener’s imagination. You open up the world
with many layers, depth and multiple meanings. The words come
together and feed each other. I explore aspects of human emotion.
Strife and confusion and paradox inspire.”
She taught herself piano and never expected to be a musician.
While at the University of Chicago for a few years, she sang
in a Roxy Music/ velvet Underground-esque band and truly enjoyed
the experience. She started working on her own writing and
has takend a D.I.Y. approach by creating her own music label.
“The industry is volatile right now with corruption
in the structure of major labels and their power. It’s
basically run by people whose motives I question. I’d
rather do it on my own scale my way than to place myself into
mechanics out of my control. I can do things as I feel; solve
my own problems on my own accord, say what I want to day and
do what I want to do.”
This Bennington graduate has lived across the country-New
York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and around the world; she spent
time in Paris. Being in a serene environment like Maine allowed
her to break a longstanding writer’s block by retreating
from hectic city life.
“I have a lot of time to think without the constant
borage of the big city stuff. Although I did live near Times
Square NY at one point and did a heck of a lot of writing
inspired by interesting characters and drama.
While things are never easy as a female artist, Schrock believes
things have greatly changed since her career began years ago.
Suzanne Vega paved the way for artists such as Tori Amos who
paved the way for artists such as myself.
After putting out albums on her own for 7 years, it’s
clear that Schrock is not in this for the money but for the
love of expressing herself through music. She often finds
herself on tour around the country. When we talked she was
planning to head South very soon. She has a website (www.kateschrock.com)
and believes in the independent spirit of the music business.
“Music creates spiritual and mental health.”
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