Chicago Singer-songwriter Heather Styka releases new album

PRLog (Press Release) - Sep. 7, 2011 - Heather Styka, Chicago-based singer-songwriter, will be releasing her 2nd full-length album, Lifeboats for Atlantis, on Friday, October 7th, 8:30 pm, at The Store, 2002 N. Halsted, Chicago.  Styka is a familiar face in the Chicago folk and singer-songwriter community, having appeared on Chicago stages including Schubas, the Old Town School of Folk Music, and the Double Door.  The CD release show will feature cellist Sophie Webber, percussionist Joel Styzens, violinist Jordi Kleiner, and other special guests performing songs from the new album in The Store's intimate setting.  As "one of the more original of the many contemporary singer/songwriters touring the US" (Tom May - River City Folk), Heather Styka is one new voice not to be missed in today's ocean of music.

When Styka began writing songs at thirteen, the Chicagoland folk music scene provided supportive venues, such as the renowned Two Way Street Coffee House in Downers Grove.  One decade later, she has garnered the approval of folk veterans such as Tom Paxton, was selected to perform as part of the juried showcase at Folk Alliance Regional Midwest (FARM), and has been interviewed twice on Tom May's nationally syndicated program, "River City Folk." In 2009, she won the Big Top Chautauqua Songwriting Contest and had the chance to open for Suzanne Vega. Styka has received airplay from Alaska to Australia, including on WFMT's famed folk show, “Midnight Special.”  And Chicago musicians may recognize her as the former host of “SongCircle: Chicago” at Schubas, as well as a sound engineer at local venue Uncommon Ground.  “Community is a big part of music, for me.  It's not just about the songs, it's about every songwriter and listener I encounter,” says Styka.  

The release of Lifeboats for Atlantis marks the culmination of two years of touring, writing, and recording.  “Wanderlust and the life of a songwriter go hand in hand. When I finished my degree [at DePaul University], I knew it was time to hit the road.  And then hit the studio,” she adds.  In the tradition of contemporary folk and singer-songwriter music, Lifeboats for Atlantis features acoustic instrumentation, with Styka's lush and breathy vocals hovering over guitar, piano, cello, violin, upright bass, dobro, accordion, and percussion. “[Styka] has crafted fourteen excellent songs infused with metaphor and introspection,” writes Lilli Kuzma, DJ and host of the “Folk Festival” program on WDCB (Glen Ellyn).  “It is hard to pick a 'stand-out' on this album, as this album is sustained from track to track with exceptional songs.”

Event information:
The Store
2002 N. Halsted, Chicago, IL
Friday, October 7 at 8:30 pm
21+, no cover
http://www.thestoretil4.com
773-327-7766