Chicago singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Kate Schell will soon be releasing her sophomore solo effort, Past Present Future. After her tenure in Paper Thick Walls, Schell took some time away to focus on herself and her writing. Past Present Future is a compilation of those songs, written but not recorded (until now) over the past ten years, and scheduled to be released on March 8th. Today, we’re proud to premiere “Darkroom” off of the album a week in advance of its formal release.
“Darkroom” puts Schell’s vocals front and center, right where they should be, amongst meandering keys and guitar. Her voice has a classic folky feel to it, an interesting contrast to the electronic composition she lays beneath. As the tempo picks up at the bridge, the layers of instrumentation are added and the emotions simply pour out of Kate.
“Darkroom” is an emotive pop track that feels like the departure from Paper Thick Walls that Schell needed. A very capable musician in her own right, I’m looking forward to where Schell goes from here as she continues to make a name for herself.
Give it a spin below:
Celebrate Kate Schell’s album release on March 9th at the Burlington with Doomerang, Low Swans, and Eshé. RSVP here.