Caitlin Canty

Down Like Silver

2011-10-31T08:37:00.000-07:00

I have some new music for you...

I've been writing songs with Peter Bradley Adams and we just finished the first EP from our new band, Down Like Silver. All the songs are co-writes and co-sings. I'm so excited to share this music with you!

For the time being, you can only hear or download it at BandCamp. Or if you'd like to get your hands on a physical copy, they are only available at my or Peter's shows.

(Vermonters! Get thee to Nov 4th's full band show! Boston! I'm bringing the band to you Nov 7th at Passim!)

p.s. This isn't my Kickstarter album. That one's going to take some more time to cook and will be released in 2012.

Anais Mitchell on Daytrotter

2011-08-14T11:44:00.000-07:00

If you haven't listened to Anais Mitchell yet, this Daytrotter session she just recorded is a great place to start. Anais is joined by two wildly talented musicians - Jefferson Hamer and Rachel Ries in a live (one take/straight to tape) performance at the Daytrotter studios. You can download it for free, like all the other terrific sessions on Daytrotter. I love everything about this.

Listen to Horse Latitudes

2011-08-08T11:35:00.000-07:00

I've been listening to a ton of excellent new music lately. One stand out is Jeffrey Foucault's latest, Horse Latitudes. good lord it's good.

This record is beautifully produced and brimming with well-crafted, bewitching songs. I was humming a melody yesterday that I couldn't quite place - oh right, the haunting Starlight and Static. And just try not to fall over when you hear the low strings come in on Passerines.

JF is definitely one to catch live - I'll be at Union Hall when he comes through Brooklyn. Catch him on tour this fall in your town.

Wassaic Project

2011-07-28T13:21:00.000-07:00

I'm playing Wassaic Project's Summer Festival Saturday, Aug 6th, yeah! This is a FREE, annual, multi-disciplinary celebration of art, music, and community in the hamlet of Wassaic, NY, with over 100 artists, 23 bands, poetry readings, dance performances, film screenings, and much more. August 5th-7th, 2011.

Thanks for the nice review, Wassaic!

I'm also looking forward to checking out installations like this:

Check out Aunt Martha

2011-07-20T07:10:00.000-07:00

Just discovered Boston band Aunt Martha on ambitious music blog New Music Collaborative. Can't stop listening to / singing Bloodshot. check em out!

I love Gillian Welch

2011-07-01T20:51:00.000-07:00

Get thee to a record store or Gillian Welch's site for her latest "The Harrow & The Harvest." I am unable to comprehend how one writes and performs a song like Tennessee - it gives me the good chills even while including words outside of a comfortable vocabulary that can shatter a song moment, like "beefsteak." Maybe when the music is so rad you can say whatever you want? but the words are equally sublime. ah.

My friend Alan Light interviewed Gillian and Dave Rawlings if you want some backstory. I'm going to stop writing about it and go listen to it again.

I love my guitar strap

2011-05-29T12:51:00.000-07:00

If you've been to one of my shows lately, you may have noticed the gorgeous cork guitar strap I've been sporting by CLIFF BELTS. Reversible, super lightweight and made from cork!

Check out their reversible cork belts too, a beautiful alternative to leather.

now hear this

2011-05-20T13:12:00.000-07:00

I've been unable to put down Between Us by Peter Bradley Adams. I have a habit of falling for one song on an album I like and playing that song incessantly (much to my neighbors' delight), but I would have a tough time choosing favorites on this album. The songs and production are just gorgeous. The last time I've kept a whole album on repeat like this was Gregory Alan Isakov's This Empty Northern Hemisphere.

Lately I've been singing some backup for Peter so I got my hands on the album early. It's currently only for sale at his shows - available everywhere June 14th.

Rockwood Music Hall

2011-03-26T08:27:00.000-07:00

Thanks for a great night at Rockwood, New Yorkers! I still feel aglow. I wish every gig could have such dramatic weather indecision (sleet! hail! lightning!), fogged up windows with doodled love notes, and wildly talented musicians bewitching my new songs. Luckily, Kyle Keggereis and Hans Holzen will be joining me back at Rockwood on April 10th, and at Caffe Vivaldi in the West Village on April 28th. I hope to see you there!

I like Red Molly

2011-02-25T10:01:00.000-08:00

I am in awe. Last night I saw one of my favorite singer/songwriters, Molly Venter in her new role as the latest addition to the band Red Molly. Molly has impressed me for years as a solo singer/songwriter (we were a year apart at Williams). She writes strong, sweet songs and her voice can stop a train in its tracks. She's been an enormous influence on me and my music from my earliest days, and I've been watching her artistry develop over the past decade.

For years, Molly toured the country relentlessly as a solo act - booking her own shows, sleeping in her car, making the big sacrifices for her music. She has earned her stripes and her talent grows by leaps and bounds every time I see her play. I was wowed by last night's show and so proud of my friend who now shares the stage (and the touring load) with two other excellent musicians and has elevated her music and performance to a world-class level. In this fickle music business, is so heartening to see what can come from determination and hard work. Red Molly is not to be missed when they come through your town. Check out their tour dates and a new favorite of mine, Molly's latest song.

I like Black Cab Sessions

2011-02-06T09:08:00.000-08:00

What a great idea - Black Cab Sessions film a song by an excellent musician in one take as they drive around whatever city they happen to be in. There are tons of excellent videos on this site, and I'm going to have to ration them or else spend the entire week perusing.

Outside of cab performances, I like Laura Marling's latest album and enjoy her voice. Rambling Man and Devil's Spoke are my favorites. Find these songs and more at her website.

Sneaky Minstrels

2011-02-03T21:41:00.000-08:00

New video posted for Feb 3 and 4th of Going Gone and Trenches. At a laid back show at Sam's in Northampton, a man places several loose balloons on his table, not realizing the balloons are filled with helium. A foursome of fans traveled from Keene, NH for the show (how cool is that?) and request Trenches - Don and Dave from Darlingside sing along from their seats.

I like projects

2011-02-01T10:36:00.000-08:00

I've come to the realization that without a car or booking manager, I cannot get out to all the places I'd like to be playing or with the frequency I'd like (4 shows a week would be superb). Though it's no substitute for a live show, I figured the next best thing would be sharing more video of my shows. The only way I'll be able do this is if I make it into a project with deadlines and announcements. Otherwise I'd sit on all of this footage nitpicking "meh, that song still needs work," " the sound quality is too crappy to post," "the large head in the front row blocks my cowboy boots" and so on.

Ladies and Gentlemen, I will post one video every day of the shortest month of the year. ta daaah.

I do hope you tune in for the daily video. I'm kicking it off with a new song, "Businessman" from a recent show at Rockwood Music Hall (Stage 2! the big leagues!) Ladies and Gentlemen, enjoy the show.

I like Madison Violet

2011-01-31T16:07:00.000-08:00

I just discovered this Canadian duo on a dark night after a gig in Vermont. I was driving home in the wee hours by myself and the post show adrenaline was starting to wear off when I caught the end of this song on the radio. I recorded it on my iPhone and just tracked down the song online. Check out "Ransom" by Madison Violet - it's the first song on their music player. Also, I would have gladly opened this show.

I like Harpoon

2011-01-29T18:45:00.000-08:00

Thank you bars and music halls for having Harpoon IPA on tap. It's luckily been at my last few gigs, and it tastes even better when it's on the house. Almost makes me want to sing, "I pulled my harpoon out of my dirty red bandana..."

Caitlin's Top 10 of 2010

2010-12-30T07:38:00.000-08:00

This music has been on heavy rotation in my ears over the past year and certainly influences what I've been creating. I've picked a favorite song from each artist but for most there are many. (I tried to make an iTunes mix for you, but my cranky old computer said no). Drumroll...

Busy elf, sleepy elf

2010-12-06T10:11:00.000-08:00

Over the weekend, I assembled the final batch of Neon Streets (a seriously limited edition, folks). Here's the play by play...

First, roll a thin layer of white paint on the block (hand cut by Cara Sutherland)

Hand press each album (No two are alike! handiwork, not machine made). Have a beer and congratulate self on hard work.

Use assembly as good excuse to watch Deadwood again

Overseeing all this hard work will make your dog sleepy

The delicate part - carefully put the sticker on. Cursing is encouraged.

Happy Holidays!

Marble Town, USA - OCT 27th

2010-10-13T12:01:00.000-07:00

I'll be playing at Proctor, VT's beautiful Marble Museum on Oct 27th to benefit the newly opened co-op - The Proctor General Store. This volunteer-run store brings a lot of life to my small hometown and the shelves are full of many local products; Finnigan's Bee's honey, local produce and baked goods, maple syrup of course, and even my homegrown CDs.

As the leaves fall and the leaf-peepers leave, PGS will need local support to make it through its first winter. I'll be singing for PGS at the "World's Largest Marble Exhibit!!" It's a gorgeous space and the show is for a great cause - I hope you can make it out!

Wednesday, Oct 27th - 7PM
Vermont Marble Museum
52 Main St. Proctor, VT
$10 suggested donation

Happy Happy Joy Joy

2010-09-02T13:17:00.000-07:00

I'm having a good week:

- I'm a regional finalist in the NewSong Mountain Stage competition, meaning I can win some prizes and excellent exposure (you can help by voting for me)

- Farm Fresh Radio (102.9 FM), an awesome VT radio station has been giving my music a lot of airplay. Thanks for all the "I just heard your music on the radio" alerts, Vermonters! I just left a "thanks for listening" message at the station - they ask that each message start with a farm animal sound. As a result, my remaining garble is probably impossible to understand because I was laughing at myself. (quack)

- I'm still in Idaho and have avoided the hottest summer on record in NYC - hallelujah. And I'm opening for Sarah Sample at Redfish Lake - an excellent place to play and it will be aired on NPR.

- Found a great pair of cowboy boots at a thrift store for $18 - could this week get any better? (knock on wood)

Floods of Vikings

2010-07-11T10:07:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I got up at an ungodly hour to catch a Bolt Bus to Boston for my show at Church. I arrived sleepily in the afternoon and set up shop and really warmed up since my voice was feeling so froggy and it was so humid it makes guitar playing sticky.)

Then things got weird. Drunk people in orange shirts with Viking horns came flooding in to escape the torrential downpour. These new friends (many of whom signed my mailing list with inebriated handwriting on wet paper) were on a quest; a Beer Marathon (I think beer and marathons when I think of Boston, so this was too perfect) and were trapped for my show. I just love a drunk captive audience. I did a quick soundcheck, said I'd be back on in two minutes for the show (the Vikings cheered, they liked my soundcheck and though it was my real show).

Some more sopping wet non-Viking friends arrived just in time for the power to cut out. I raced to put my guitar in its case - I didn't want it to be crushed by a Viking lumbering around in the dark. Unfortunately the basement was flooded, which cut all the power, which canceled the show. This is the second time friends have tried and failed to catch my show in Boston (a bunch came to my Lily Pad show with Darlingside and were unable to squeeze in) so I played 2 songs on a bar stool for the crowd and called it a day. Such an odd day. I haven't even mentioned the wig baseball cap with "Homocide" written on it that I found in the green room. I had a good time hanging out with friends and took the last Bolt bus back to NYC that night, but was so bummed to not play!

If you're one of my new Beer Viking friends and you tried to sign my mailing list, please try again here: http://caitlincanty.fanbridge.com/

I'm going to play Boston again in the fall - Vikings, floods, and power outages be damned!

I like Rose Polenzani

2010-07-09T13:22:00.000-07:00

I finally got to see one of my favorite singer/songwriters - Rose Polenzani - play live at the Living Room. Years ago someone passed me her song "You were drunk" that I have since listened to 100s of times. I now have a new favorite - "The Soft Parts"- on her album When the River Meets the Sea (full of great tunes, I just broke my music buying ban for it).

She's a real master of lyrics and melody, a folk badass, and I was blown away by her live show. Her audience was full of talented musicians - Josh Ritter, Natalia Zuckerman, Amy Correia, and Dawn Landes.

She's in my top five of Musicians Not To Be Missed when they come through town. She's on tour now, hopefully coming through your town... Rose's Website

So Much Happiness

2010-06-28T09:59:00.000-07:00

A whole year has passed since I quit my job to dive headfirst into music. It's been my favorite year yet, and I feel so grateful for all the support I've received. I've been spending all my time booking shows, assembling CDs, promoting my music - sometimes I even write and sing songs - and once in a while I feel like a self-sufficient independent musician and high-five myself in the mirror. But I (like all indie musicians really) am a complete dependent, and I'm afloat thanks to all of the overwhelming support family, friends and fans have provided - putting up posters, coming to my shows (and bringing friends!), buying my songs, carting my car-less self around, taking photos or video, and spreading the word about my music. I couldn't be more grateful.

I'm feeling full of warm fuzziness which reminds me of a poem I heard at a friend's wedding. I hope you enjoy it - it's one of the best things I've ever read.

So Much Happiness

By Naomi Shihab Nye

It is difficult to know what to do with so much happiness.

With sadness there is something to rub against,

a wound to tend with lotion and cloth.

When the world falls in around you, you have pieces to pick up,

something to hold in your hands, like ticket stubs or change.

But happiness floats.

It doesn’t need you to hold it down.

It doesn’t need anything.

Happiness lands on the roof of the next house, singing,

and disappears when it wants to.

You are happy either way.

Even the fact that you once lived in a peaceful tree house

and now live over a quarry of noise and dust

cannot make you unhappy.

Everything has a life of its own,

it too could wake up filled with possibilities

of coffee cake and ripe peaches,

and love even the floor which needs to be swept,

the soiled linens and scratched records…

Since there is no place large enough

to contain so much happiness,

you shrug, you raise your hands, and it flows out of you

into everything you touch. You are not responsible.

You take no credit, as the night sky takes no credit

for the moon, but continues to hold it, and share it,

and in that way, be known.

They even spelled it right

2010-06-24T12:18:00.000-07:00

Two of my favorite posters from this last series of gigs - one from a creative young fan, and one from the hip Brooklyn Bowl.

Wishy washy

2010-06-23T15:42:00.000-07:00

I need to apologize. I was full of piss and vinegar (and one too many beverages?) the other night, and gave a bitter sermon about music that I think is considered brilliant just because it's unusual. Like how an affected way of singing or weird lyrics and instrumentation seems to launch some musicians to a respected level of artiste, while I often find it difficult to feel any soul behind their music. And Joanna Newsom was my lightning rod example with her pirate's daughter voice and sometimes wacky lyrics. I had only listened to her first album 5 years had made up my small mind, thinking she makes museum music not living room music - music you can look at but not live with.

I felt like a bit of a frat boy for opinionating so strongly without listening to more of her stuff. So I picked the first Joanna Newsom song I found on YouTube and am now a big fan. Talk about soul! I feel like bawling. and listening again. now chills. This song makes me want to hug her and listen to everything she's ever created. I'm one of those types that if you give me one song or one little bit of melody that I like and I'm a loyal fan forever. I'm also one of those who (maybe?) should be cut off more often.

I like Mirah

2010-06-14T16:27:00.000-07:00

I first heard Mirah's music years ago and recently rediscovered a favorite tune, "Don't Die On Me." I can't stop playing it. I'm usually not a fan of the syrupy baby voice, but her lyrics and songs are so solid that I'm completely won over. She's playing in Brooklyn on June 24th and I hope to be there!

Listen here: There's a YouTube video by Moist Productions here (ew) and you can buy the song on iTunes.

Mirah
Jun 24, 2010 - Brooklyn, NY
Music Hall of Williamsburg

Brooklyn Bowl June 15th!

2010-06-09T12:41:00.000-07:00

Brooklyn Bowl is probably the coolest venue I have ever been to in NYC and I'm sort of dumbstruck that I get to play there! You could even say I'm bowled over (ugh, sorry.) Darlingside and I are headlining a FREE show on this gorgeous stage on June 15th! Doors at 7pm. Party til closing to celebrate both of our CD releases.

Darlingside and Caitlin Canty
Tuesday June 15th - 7PM doors
Brooklyn Bowl, 61 Wythe Ave
FREE
Reasons you should come:
- The music will be gorgeous! My set will quietly groove and sway, and the boys will rock out. They play on my songs and I join them on a few of theirs too.
- The best food around - I like the oyster po boy, and the mac and cheese. Blue Ribbon Restaurants - can't go wrong there!
- Great beers on tap (Brooklyn Brewery is next door).
- Bowling!
- FREE FREE FREE

I like Sarah Harmer

2010-05-31T16:20:00.000-07:00

I've been a big fan of Sarah Harmer's music since hearing Around this Corner in college, and I was lucky enough to produce a show for her back in my old music biz days. A great songwriter, a sweet person, and such a warm alto voice! I rediscovered her song Greeting Card Aisle on a mix I made for my mom years ago, and have been thinking of her as wildfires rage in Canada (she's a big environmental activist and protector of Canada's forests). Hope you like her as much as I do!

Kind words

2010-05-27T21:11:00.000-07:00

I had my first disappointing experience with a shady music promoter recently, so it's extra nice to hear these words of praise about my music. Keeps me on the bright side.

Andrew Sutherland, a musician himself and a major, lifelong influence of mine, wrote this great review of Neon Streets. Some of the highlights for me include:
"one of the most beautiful, touching, and well-crafted albums I’ve heard in years." ... and... The production is pitch perfect, featuring some subtle and beautiful playing by the members of string-rock quintet Darlingside. "The production is pitch perfect, featuring some subtle and beautiful playing by the members of string-rock quintet
And those vocals. Right up front, crystal clear. Seeing Caitlin play live is always an intimate experience, this is the next best thing. I’ve listened to this record on my commute into work, and it’s as if the traffic slows down around me. Her voice and lyrics quietly demand to be listened to."

And Brent Hallenbeck wrote a nice piece in the Burlington Free Press about my "glory days" and path to music, and says I write "acoustic music with bite." Chomp!

Thanks guys!

He doesn't disappoint

2010-05-21T20:15:00.000-07:00

After falling for his recordings (thanks to Pandora), I was crossing my fingers that Gregory Alan Isakov was going to be at least as good live when I caught his show at Highline Ballroom in NYC. It is no easy thing to sing quiet (or "sad" songs, though I wouldn't call them sad) on stage for over an hour and keep people engaged. But Gregory's songs and his live show completely bowled me over. What a voice! What songs! He is not to be missed next time he comes through town.

My music's never looked so good

2010-05-17T18:45:00.000-07:00

I've admired Cara Sutherland's design work for years, and I can't believe my luck that she agreed to design my CD! The physical album is gorgeous - I can't describe its full glory - so check out some of Cara's photos at her blog here: Running Double Creative.

We're working together on a series of four EPs, the first being Neon Streets. Is it OK to admit that it's a huge motivation for me to finish the next set of songs just to see what design she comes up with?

Not only did Cara design the album packaging, but she created posters, a mailing list sign up sheet, promo CDs, my storefront and fliers -- all as beautiful and thrifty as can be and she was a dream to work with. I cannot rave enough.

Cara's site is full of her own awe-inspiring work (check the wedding invitations and her iPhone photo journal) as well as other things that catch her eye. I visit her blog for a new tasty visual treat every day!

My geranium hates me

2010-05-13T12:00:00.000-07:00

Every time I get ready to hit the road for a few shows, my scraggly geranium gets ready to bloom. I think it does it on purpose to punish me for neglecting it. "You want to leave? Fine, I'll just put on my prettiest outfit while you're away and you can clean up my shriveled petals when you get back."

I hate leaving home but I love it! VT here I come...

Newness! New album, new website

2010-05-10T08:52:00.000-07:00

The first EP of four, Neon Streets is now available to stream and buy exclusively at CaitlinCanty.com on the Shop or on the Music page. Come check it out! I'll also be selling it at my shows. The seven-song album was coproduced by Darlingside and myself, with album design and illustration by Cara Sutherland of Running Double. Read more about it here.

Come on over to www.caitlincanty.com to visit my completely renovated website! Dave Senft designed and built the sparkling site, and I couldn't be happier with my new online home. When not designing gorgeous websites, he makes rocking music. Thanks, Dave!

Sweet Carolina w/ Darlingside video

2010-05-09T08:21:00.000-07:00

Another tidbit from that wonderful Paramount show: Darlingside and I cover Ryan Adam's Sweet Carolina (Video).

Baby Photos

2010-05-04T10:14:00.000-07:00

It's almost here! Pieces of the packaging for Neon Streets have been arriving, and now I'm just waiting on a minor detail - the CDs. They are supposed to arrive today, and then I'll assemble the whole CD (booklet, hand block-printed digipak, and label) and bring a few to my show at Banjo Jim's on Thursday, May 6th!

Keep your fingers crossed that the stork (UPS) brings them to me on time...

Mastering at the Cutting Room

2010-05-03T11:43:00.000-07:00

I visited the the Cutting Room studios years ago on official business for the music company I worked for back then (The Artists Den), and I remember feeling overwhelmed by the gorgeous professional studio with platinum albums lining the walls. It was my first time in a real studio in the big city.

Five years later, I am thrilled to be mastering my own EP with Tony Gillis at the Cutting Room! His other clients have included Postal Service, Prince, and Jay-Z - I am very happy to be out of my league. Mastering is the last stop for the album production (other than printing), and is one part science and one part magic. I don't know too much about it, but in general terms, mastering brings the volume of the songs up to a radio-friendly level, makes sure all the tracks are consistent in feel and volume, and shines up the songs so they sparkle!

Tony did a wonderful job and had high praise for Sam Kapala who did all the engineering and mixing and mixing and mixing the album. I feel so lucky that my songs are in such good hands!

Momentous

2010-04-11T21:51:00.000-07:00

This photo, taken minutes ago, captures the momentous moment when Sam finished mixing my album, Neon Streets! We all piled into the car to give the final mix a car test --- it. is. gorgeous! I am overwhelmed.

I LOVE DARLINGSIDE. I am naming my firstborn Darlingside. They have made my songs sound so beautiful and dynamic, beyond anything I thought possible--I am without the right words. Just feeling magical. And very merry. I will come up with better words soon.

The CD will be unveiled at my show with Darlingside at Banjo Jim's in NYC May 6th - and we'll have the Big release show/party June 15th at Brooklyn Bowl. I'm having a Brooklyn Lager right now in celebration. I'll be parading the album through VT in May and playing a bunch of shows with the boys this spring all over - join my fan list if you'd like all the details!

Pandora found another new favorite

2010-04-05T13:32:00.000-07:00

I've been addicted to one of my Pandora stations lately, entirely because it plays Gregory Alan Isakov every few songs. I just bought one of his albums and am really digging it - especially "That Moon Song" with Brandi Carlile singing some powerful harmonies. Check out his site, or my favorite song.

I'm done* recording Neon Streets

2010-03-30T14:21:00.000-07:00

Holy cow. We hit a big milestone with the album - I'm done with all my tracking and the boys have a just few more gorgeous sounds to lay on the album. After that we mix. Then master (at the Cutting Room in NYC!) Then print. And then it's all yours - May 6th it'll be available at shows and on my NEW website! Still a way to go, but I promise it will be worth the wait!

Here's the most important Save the Date you'll get from me:

The BIG album release show/party is June 15 at Brooklyn Bowl! It's probably the coolest rock venue I've ever been in, and I'll get to play on their beautiful stage with Darlingside! I'm yippy-little-dog kind of excited. Tons of great shows this spring coming up solo and with the boys - join the mailing list for more timely updates.

Peple We Love

2010-03-11T20:33:00.000-08:00

I've been away from home a lot lately, playing shows and recording my album. This means more than a few nights spent on the futons and air mattresses of kind friends. It also means I get to know their apartments and refrigerators very well. My favorite refrigerator posting has to be this wonderful poem (?) by a friend's little sister. Would it be bad if I turned this into a song?

Investment tip: I'm putting all my money into CDs

2010-03-09T22:43:00.000-08:00

My friend and talented designer, Cara Sutherland of Running Double is designing the packaging for my new album, Neon Streets (now to get the music part done...) I wanted the CD package to be beautiful, green, and keep to an independent musician's budget (er... lack of), and I couldn't be happier with Cara's ideas and the product.

One element I'm particularly crazy about is the city skyline block print Cara carved that I've been printing on the insides of all my CD digipacks (she did the technical work, I take no artistic credit here, I just do the block printing). It looks fantastic, and I'm only printing as needed (very green, very beautiful, very easy on the budget) - no piles of custom printed CDs collecting dust in my wee apartment for years. I used the remaining 8 boxes of my last album as dog steps for my little guy to get to the window. Not this time!

Haiti Benefit Recap

2010-03-09T22:08:00.000-08:00

This lucky girl got to play the beautiful Paramount Theater with Darlingside last month in a benefit for Haiti. Our music has never sounded better, the audience was so into it, and we helped raise $5000 for Pure Water for the World's Haiti relief! It also happened to fall on my dad's 60th birthday, and we had a great celebration afterward. I couldn't ask for more from a show - I'm still glowing!

Check out many more photos by Brooke Kaltsas of TruckieLoo Photography at her flickr site, and the last photo in this post is from the Rutland Herald (Vyto Starinskas).

Stop being such a girl.

2010-02-24T18:50:00.000-08:00

You know those magnifying mirrors that give you a frightening (hopefully skewed) close-up of your face? That is what it's like when I hear playback of my vocal recordings on the gorgeous and sensitive speakers at Oxbow Records, where I'm recording my album. I'm sure you four readers of my blog will agree (Hi Brookie!) that I'm not much of a "do these jeans make my butt look big" girlie girl, but if you saw me cringe as I try to choose which take of my voice sounds least terrible to me, you would not be impressed. You would think I'm a sissy. Because after you hear how good these songs are sounding with Harris playing guitars and cello and Sam on the drums (and my voice too!) all beautifully recorded on top-notch equipment and by amazing musicians, you would think what is wrong with that chick, this is the best music she's ever made! Now I'm home listening to the first bunch of nearly finished tracks and loving the sound and I am so pumped to get back in the studio! If this is the reward, I don't mind squirming while my rotten vocal takes are magnified. The poor guys have to put up with my cursing and freak outs, but I will get better at being cool. Maybe?

I swear this hasn't touched photoshop

2010-02-23T07:43:00.000-08:00

I kicked off Solarfest this past summer to a raucous crowd of about 75 people. My brother thought this photo would better represent the spirit of the show than the original shot which just didn't capture the energy...

Benefit for Haiti - Paramount Theater - Feb 5th

2010-02-02T16:17:00.000-08:00

Here's an update I recently sent my mailing list (if you want to join my list, sign up here)

I have so much to tell you! I might even need to use bullets. First and foremost, I'm co-headlining a benefit show for Haiti with my favorite band - the string-rock quintet, Darlingside, at the enormous, beautiful Paramount Theater in my hometown! If you are within 3000 miles of Rutland, VT, please come - it's for a great cause and it'll be an excellent show (more info below). Spread the word (and email me if you'd like to put up some posters). Our show features singer/songwriter performances as well as full band numbers, and my songs are coming alive with cello, mandolin, harmonies ... yes!

If you'd like to get a sneak peek, check out a video of my song Trenches from our recent show in Boston, or a cover we taped in the studio the other night.

I'm spending most of my time at Oxbow Records recording my new album Neon Streets (April 1 release) with more than a little help from Darlingside. And, last week I opened for Dar Williams! I'll have a few more shows this winter, but expect to see a lot more of me this spring when I take Neon Streets out on the road...

x,
Caitlin

p.s. Find more frequent updates at my blog or facebook.

Feb 5 - Rutland Helps Haiti
Caitlin Canty & Darlingside at the Paramount Theater
Rutland, VT
6PM doors, 7PM music
$10 suggested or goodwill donation. Cash or check at the door only. All proceeds benefit Pure Water for the World's Haitian relief efforts.

Feb 20 - Pete's Candy Store
Caitlin Canty and Darlingside
Brooklyn, NY
8PM-10PM
Come early if you want to get in - this is the smallest venue I've ever played, with the biggest band I've ever played with. If you don't want to make like a sardine, we'll be playing NYC again in April at the more roomy Banjo Jim's.

April 8 - Mission Bar
Caitlin Canty and Darlingside
Pittsfield, MA
8PM-10PM

Darlingside is a string-rock quintet based in Northampton, MA. Darlingside's sound is characterized by elegantly crafted cello-violin duets, soaring harmonies, catchy hooks and compelling beats. The band formed at Williams College and has shared the stage with such acts as Guster, The Format and The Ken Oak Band. Musical influences range from Radiohead to Nickel Creek, Beethoven to Phoenix

"As individuals, each member of Darlingside could easily be a top notch solo artist. Together, they are a powerhouse of vocal, instrumental, songwriting, and performing talent. Their energy is contagious, their sound is unpredictable, and their songs are unforgettable." - Bernice Lewis, singer/songwriter

Pure Water for the World's mission is more important than ever in light of the recent earthquakes. Many are not aware that right here in our town, Rutland, Carolyn Meub and Pure Water have been hard at work in Haiti for years producing water filters to provide clean, safe drinking water, giving Haitians health and hope that leads to opportunity. On Friday, February 5^th, you can make a real difference with your donation. Together we can achieve our $10,000 fundraising goal, enough to help bring clean water to at least 5 schools. Carolyn Meub will also be on hand to share the message of what is going on in Haiti today with the relief initiative and how your donations will make a real difference in the lives of those in need.

Cover with Darlingside - Volcano

2010-01-20T11:18:00.000-08:00

I'm in Northampton recording my album with Darlingside and last night we filmed one of our favorite covers (Damien Rice - Volcano). Check out the video...

> a little help from my friends

2010-01-17T14:31:00.000-08:00

I'm lucky to call an excellent artist a friend (Cara Jennison of Running Double) - and luckier still that she's designing my new album(s)! Cara just sent me these images of the gorgeous block print that will be part of my forthcoming EP, Neon Streets! I'm heading into the studio tomorrow morning to start recording - now to make it sound as good as it's going to look... wish me luck!

Amazing Tom Petty

2010-01-15T15:05:00.000-08:00

I should be recording roughs of my new songs so I'm ready to head into the studio on Monday, but I've been sidetracked by one of my favorite songwriters. Check out the music videos on Tom Petty's website - classics!
I remember dancing around the living room and singing Mary Jane's Last Dance when it first came out - my friends and I memorized the words (what, I was 12) and watched that video on VH1 over and over.

There are too few songwriters who know how to write and how to rock. Tom Petty is such an incredible songwriter - one of my top five influences. Enough gushing. Must go set up my microphones.

New video "Trenches" live

2010-01-15T13:58:00.000-08:00

Here's a video of my song Trenches live at the Lily Pad in December with Darlingside backing me up. Enjoy!

With Darlingside at the Lily Pad, Boston

2009-12-18T11:42:00.000-08:00

I had a great show with my favorite band, Darlingside the other night - we sold out the Lily Pad in Boston! I'll post some video clips soon, but for now check out the beautiful photos by Brooke Kaltsas of TruckieLoo Photography.

It was wonderful to play with these top-notch musicians (including Greg Schultz of Socialist) they bring so much to my songs with their cellos, violins, mandolins, harmonies... (ah!) It was also a good send-off as I'm staying away from the stage for Jan-February to record my album. I'll be playing one or two shows in NYC, but mainly recording with help from Darlingside - who's the lucky girl?

My biggest littlest fan

2009-12-04T20:50:00.000-08:00

I played at the Iron Lantern the Friday after spending Thanksgiving with my family. I had the stage for three hours, post-turkeyathon which could have been grueling but for fans like JoAnna. When she wasn't sitting underneath my microphone, she was drawing a picture of me singing. Taylor Swift is her favorite, but she likes that I write and sing my own songs as well - pretty discerning for a kindergartner!

Waiting to play Radio Bean in Burlington

2009-12-04T20:18:00.000-08:00

It was a nippy November night for my show at Radio Bean, a quirky Burlington music bar. I took a phone photo on my way as I was getting revved up to play. The moon looked way bigger in real life - objects in this photo are closer than they appear.

Rockwood

2009-12-04T19:53:00.000-08:00

I played at the beautiful Rockwood Music Hall on the Lower East Side the other night and several photographer friends showed up - lucky me! If you weren't able to make it to the show, check out their photos on my flickr site or at their sites:

Melanie Rose Photography
www.melanierosephotos.com

Adam Jason Photography
www.adamjasonphotography.com

iPhone rocks my world

2009-11-10T07:50:00.000-08:00

At the risk of sounding like a Apple evangelist - I love my iPhone! I've had one for about a year now, and it's been the best tool (besides my guitar of course) to help me make music. My "hand brain" has helped me capture ideas that would otherwise get lost in the dusty corners of my lazy mind, and it keeps me organized (both creatively and business-wise). I record song ideas, melodies and rehearsals, tune my guitar, jot down notes - I'll stop here before I reveal how dependent I've become on this little miracle - but I felt the need to celebrate the iPhone when I discovered some gorgeous paintings by David Hockney created using the Brushes application. There's a great article about how he uses his "sketchpad that just happens to be a phone" to make digital paintings. Pretty cool!

Thanks, brother

2009-10-14T07:31:00.000-07:00

I had such a great time at Pete's Candy Store the other night! Some old and new friends came in from Philadelphia and were singing the words to my songs (the highest of compliments). I even got bootlegged! It might be dorky to excitedly announce that, but dork I am.

Pete's is a sweet venue in Brooklyn with barely room for 25 people - and the perfect place for a cozy Sunday night show. My brother came along and took some beautiful photos. Thanks, brother!

Plays well with others

2009-10-10T09:49:00.000-07:00

I'm bad at this blogging thing. So much good stuff keeps happening and gets stale before I can put fingers to keyboard. I'm so pumped to be playing with Darlingside, a band of excellent musicians/songwriters who live in a house with a recording studio in Northampton and write/play/sing/busk all the time. Jealous? Yes, but I'm getting in on the fun too. We have 2 shared shows coming up, the biggest at the Lily Pad in Boston on Dec. 12, so I've been spending some time with the guys and can't wait to sing on some of their songs and hear how they prettify mine.

I love the Living Room

2009-09-25T07:39:00.000-07:00

A few nights ago, I played one of my favorite shows yet at the Living Room. This venue holds a lot of great memories for me, most involve singing back up for Rachel Loshak or David Poe, and it's been the home and launching pad of many big names (Norah Jones for one). I was pumped to have my first NYC show of the fall here!

The sound was beautiful (thanks Gaines!) and the audience couldn't have been warmer (it doesn't hurt having a few family members in the audience...) I don't know what it is about this place, but I always feel at my best at the Living Room.

Now I'm off to Northampton to play guitars with friends Darlingside! We have a joint show coming up in Boston on December 12 - can't wait!

My guitar lives!

2009-09-15T06:29:00.000-07:00

Last night, I was weaving through the 30 square feet of my apartment and somehow my big toe got caught in the cuff of the opposite leg of my yoga pants hog-tying my legs together and I went down hard. My brother watched as I nearly put my head through my guitar that was sitting helplessly on its floor stand. He was unable to get up from his chair for several minutes - cry/laughing that hard is like paralysis.

I have a pretty big show (for me) this weekend at the Living Room. Smashing my guitar would not have been OK. But all ends well! I learned how to fall while playing high school sports and it's come in handy more times than I can say. No short skirts for a while though - I look like I fell down a few flights of stairs.

Busking in Central Park

2009-09-09T10:26:00.000-07:00

A few days ago, I brought my guitar to Central Park and my brother brought his camera along. I haven't played in the park for a few years after being chased from a tunnel by an angry saxophonist (I guess I was on his territory, lots to learn about busking). Highlights include a few boys dancing to my music while peppering me with 100 questions (how did you learn guitar? What was that song called? Can I play?) A runner zoomed through the tunnel and tossed a handful of change into my guitar case. My favorite was a tween boy who came up to me, looked me in the eye and said "your music is amazing" and tossed some coins into the case. I loved busking so much I think I'll do a Tunnel Tour 2009 of the park... Come find me! Meanwhile, check out the photos my brother took at my facebook page or flickr.
x,
Caitlin

Back in NYC, writing songs

2009-09-01T08:36:00.000-07:00

I've left sunny Idaho and am back in New York City and my wee apartment. It's nice to get back in the habit of writing more regularly, though I miss hiking those beautiful mountains. Luckily the weather forecast has been helping me stay inside and focused...

rockin bumper sticker

2009-07-26T19:41:00.001-07:00

Somewhere in Vermont there is a veggie oil powered VW with the bumper sticker "Want to know what maple sugar on snow sounds like? check her out... CaitlinCanty.com." How cool is that! A friend of mine made it and slapped it on her car to promote my show at the Bee's Knees in Morrisville last week.

I played 4 shows during my quick tour of Vermont (this being my last show) and it was unexpectedly awesome. I played for 3 hours on a Tuesday night at the small restaurant, which can be a long night for a former cubicle monkey not yet in tip top guitar shape. The bumper sticker worked its magic and brought in a good crowd. It was a really fun show for me, where I felt the audience getting into my songs, so I sang them better, so they clapped louder and nodded more and so on. It felt great!

I love playing in Vermont, where people really appreciate live, original music and make it a blast to play for them. I'll be back soon to serenade my home state some more!

x,
Caitlin

Join my mailing list

2009-07-25T16:31:00.000-07:00

Hi friends,

I'm out in sunny Idaho after my mini-tour in Vermont! I was lucky to play with some fantastic musicians at my shows, and audiences across VT were very supportive. I can't wait to go back! If you couldn't make it to the shows, I've posted some photos. My friend Brooke Kaltsas of Green Dog Photography took some beautiful ones.

My music has been doing really well on a listener-powered streaming music site for indie musicians: TheSixtyOne.com. My song "Trenches" has been climbing the charts! You can stream music from the site, comment and "heart" songs or artists, and music rises to the top based on listeners' favorites. I'll be adding more songs (old and new) soon. Check it out here: thesixtyone.com/caitlincanty

I'm booking shows for September and beyond in NYC and Boston area. If you have any recommendations of venues, house concerts, or colleges I should play, let me know, I'd be happy to swing by.

Thanks for listening!
x,
Caitlin

--
Hear my music here:
www.caitlincanty.com

thesixtyone.com/caitlincanty

Buy the album here:
iTunes
CDbaby.com
PayPal

Join the Mailing List here: www.caitlincanty.com/guestlist

thesixtyone.com

2009-07-22T10:32:00.000-07:00

I've been trying to make my album, Green, available to as many people as possible, and just found my favorite new place to connect with a really active, supportive audience: www.thesixtyone.com/caitlincanty

I've been posting songs, and will continue to post everything decent i have, over the coming months. The comments are great fuel!

Leaf-Peeper Tour

2007-10-02T21:00:00.000-07:00

Caitlin Canty is coming home for the fall.

See her live:
Oct 13, 7pm
Brick Box
Rutland, Vermont

Nov 17, 8pm
Paramount Theater
Rutland, Vermont

Or take her songs home with you:
Hear the new album, Green, here.
Buy the CD (iTunes) (cdbaby) (paypal).
Steal the CD here.

www.caitlincanty.com