KATY SOLJAK

With a sound described as 'a smoky blend of Melissa Etheridge and Bessie Smith,' Katy Soljak’s songs combine a 'blues- folk- jazz- poetry-truth' style that reflects her life as a woman in the world.

Her expansive songwriting career has seen her divide her time between Auckland and California before finally settling on Waiheke Island.

After the success of the popular Ladies Sing the Blues shows, which packed out Auckland venues in the late ‘80’s, Soljak moved to LA. It was a challenging time, when Soljak had to start her music career from scratch. Eventually she began working with accomplished musicians Steve Hodges (Tom Waits drummer),Paul Barrere (Little Feat), and Bill Barrett (harmonica genius), developing her own coffee house sound.

In the early 90’s Katy toured with The Jack Brewer Band to San Francisco and San Diego and opened forDinosaur Jr at the Whiskey on Sunset. Her spoken word style of songs evolved while performing withJack Brewer and The Carma Bums; beat, free style poets who played cafes and art galleries around LA. This talented bohemian crew encouraged Soljak’s writing and helped arrange the recording of her albumSex 4 Sale. During this recording she met local musician, SPOT, known for his production of post punk acts Black Flag, Husker Do and The Meat Puppets to name a few. SPOT and Soljak developed a harmonious musical partnership.

Upon returning to New Zealand in early 2000 Soljak released two albums: Madonna of Godzone ranges from reggae to rock and features Soljak’s poetic lyrics with bluesy tones. Morning Rain Blues is an album of 10 original blues songs ranging from 'Adrienne', a plaintive slow number to 'Nobodies Woman'; a stompin' track with full band and harmonica.

Her new release Sex 4 Sale, (due out 25th October) was recorded in LA in the early 90’s during a challenging yet transformative time as a NZ musician in the competitive LA scene.