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PIETA BROWN - BIOGRAPHY
Straight out of the heartland comes Pieta Brown. The daughter of two preacher's kids, her early upbringing
in Iowa was in a rural outpost with no furnace or running water. There, Pieta was exposed to traditional and
rural folk music through her father, Greg Brown, the now beloved Midwestern folk singer. Later, while
living with her mother in Alabama during her formative years, Pieta drew on and expanded these influences
and began writing poetry and composing instrumental songs on piano.
By the time she left home at 18, Pieta had lived in at least 17 different houses and apartments between Iowa
and Alabama. Staying true to the disjointed lifestyle of her childhood she wandered from the West Coast to
the East. Each locale left its mark on her, accounting for an artist who brings together the unvarnished
humility of Loretta Lynn, the honest modern rock punch of P.J. Harvey, the hipster swagger and poetry of
Cat Power, and the airy sophistication of Feist. And, coloring it all, a deep abiding saturation in folk and
blues that’s beyond her years. All of this, yet she has her own distinctive style, lyrical substance, and voice.
After releasing two critically acclaimed albums in the last four years--Remember the Sun (2007) and In
the Cool (2005)--Pieta has now signed with Red House Records. A natural addition to the label’s awardwinning
roster, she spent her early childhood in the very red house that gave the label its name. On her
label debut Shimmer she delivers 7 stripped-down tracks of soulful alt-country songs recorded by
legendary producer Don Was (Bob Dylan, Bonnie Raitt, Rolling Stones).
Steadily gaining attention across musical genres, the Iowa-based songwriter has toured with John Prine,
Ani Difranco, Calexico, J.J. Cale, Iris Dement and Mason Jennings, among others. Pieta is currently
touring in support of her new EP and is recording a new full-length studio album, due for release in spring
of 2010. For the latest news, visit www.pietabrown.com.
PIETA BROWN - IN THE PRESS
“Self-styled poetess, folk goddess and country waif, Pieta’s music resonates with a seductive simplicity and lyrical grace”
— BBC
“moody, ethereal”
— NPR
“a young artist with vision, intensity, and the talent to combine them into compelling music.”
— Amazon.com
“Ms. Brown’s sleepy voice and clear-eyed songs impress the most.”
— Wall Street Journal
“A joy to behold and to be heard.remarkable”
— PureMusic.com
“down-right assertive stylings.tightly written lyrics”
— Sing Out!
“a songwriter of great depth…"
-- Indie911.com
