The word “hypnotic” is overused in pop journalism, but it’s an apt description of Katie Boeck’s music. Her new single “Bittersweet” is such a beautiful blend of melody and mood that I thought Dr. Freud had put the whammy on me.
Nashville-based Boeck (pronounced Bōke) has a richer life-story than most pop artists. She did an under-the-radar six-month tour of India, playing everything from farm weddings to the annual gala for the Indian Navy. And she won critical praise for her role in the Broadway revival of the Tony Award-nominated Spring Awakening.
Boeck’s previous single “Over Again” has the magical feel of Kate Bush jamming with Steely Dan. It’s a tantalizing tease for her upcoming album Calico, due in late April. Thematically, “Over Again” is about making peace with a past relationship. Says Boeck, “When you experience any type of perceived failure in life, there’s a lot to process – including the fact that your actions and decisions have lifelong consequences.”
Boeck’s new music, co-written and co-produced by Dustin Ransom, transports you to a time when Carly Simon and Joni Mitchell had mesmerizing hits on the radio. It was an era when you didn’t need three Swedish producers and a beats specialist on every track. Boeck puts you under her spell the old-fashioned way: with artistry, not artifice.
Listen to “Bittersweet” below, or find it on your favorite streamer.
Katie Boeck’s new album Calico is out on April 28. Follow Katie Boeck on Instagram, TikTok and Facebook.
