Katy and the Null Sets are getting a little misty-eyed, thoughts drifting toward unrealized love and the loss of something that exists without definable borders. Led by Katy Ohsiek (of Portland’s foamboy), the outfit borrows elements from bossa nova, indie rock, and Americana to construct a sound that stands upon the shoulders of its influences while it reaches for some loftier heights. It’s a fascinating and compelling amalgam of musical histories and one that never fails to leave a lasting impression. On new single, “I Wish I Had Met You In the Summer”, Ohsiek merges a loping samba melody with twinkling guitars and a persistent percussive march. She peers back at what might have been, echoes of summer love ringing in her head.
“This is a sweet song about someone I had a lot of fun with!,” explains Ohsiek. “But between living in different cities and having vastly different schedules, our time together was cut short. At least that’s how I felt. I was left thinking about all the things I wished we had gotten around to. This song has been in the archives for a while, and it was a pleasure to revive! I rarely write a sweet song, so it feels good to record and release one.“
Ohsiek shot and directed the video for the song at Portland’s Oaks Park on an early ’00s camcorder. The clip is drenched in fuzzy nostalgia and summer vibes while documenting the threatening actions of an animatronic bear at a shooting gallery.
Watch the video for “I Wish I Had Met You In The Summer” below.
