This Is How It Feels

Illinois native Christy Hays has made her mark as a powerful solo artist, beginning with her first self-titled album in 2009, released not long after she moved to Nashville, with inspiration from all the wild surrounds in Alaska still fresh in her mind.

Two years later, it was time to uproot again. Austin was the destination, and in 2012, her next full-length Drought was released to much critical acclaim. Fans were taking notice of the unabashed emotion in both her recordings and live performances. Her EP O Montana (2014) was another folk/Americana gem with gorgeous, heartbreaking tales.

But the tides turned again. Hays and longtime writing partner Lauren Gurgiolo (Okkervil River) invited bassist Geena Spigarelli (My Jerusalem) and drummer Andrew Gerfers (Paula Nelson Band) to form Caliche, a lovely excursion into a meld of psych, country, and folk. In many ways, their new self-titled EP is a departure from Hays’ previous alt.-country approach, showing yet another side of her songwriting that rocks pretty hard while maintaining her impassioned intensity.

Don’t miss Christy Hays and Caliche at their EP release show tomorrow night at Stay Gold, 1910 E. Cesar Chavez, featuring songwriters Little Brave and Wil Cope on the bill. The music starts at 9 p.m. Sweet, sweet sounds all around. Recommended.

– Photography by Stephanie Macias.

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