Episode 323. Amythyst Kiah- Eclectic Musical Artist-Bourbon & Beyond
Born in 1986 in Chattanooga & now based in Johnson City, Amythyst Kiah’s commanding stage presence is matched by her raw and powerful vocals—a deeply moving, hypnotic sound that stirs echoes of a distant and restless past, making her an acclaimed American singer-songwriter.
Kiah’s musical talents extend to playing both the guitar & banjo; & has released two solo albums and one EP, showcasing her versatility as an artist.
Kiah has made significant strides as a solo artist in the Americana and roots music genres.
Her work earned her a Grammy nomination for her contributions to the all-female folk supergroup Our Native Daughters alongside Rhiannon Giddens, Leyla McCalla, & Allison Russell.
Her deeply soulful singing & songwriting skills have distinguished her in the music industry.
Identifying as a Black Queer artist, Kiah’s music is a reflection of her journey and passion. Her latest album, “Wary + Strange,” released via Rounder Records, has garnered tremendous praise.
Kiah’s unique sound & authentic expression through her music have contributed to her growing recognition and acclaim in the music world.
Accompanied interchangeably with banjo, acoustic guitar, or a full band, her eclectic influences span decades, finding inspiration in old-time music, alternative rock, folk, country, and blues.
Our Native Daughters, a collaboration with Rhiannon Giddens, Leyla McCalla, & Allison Russell (Birds of Chicago), has delivered a full-length album produced by Rhiannon Giddens & Dirk Powell, Songs of Our Native Daughters (out now on Smithsonian Folkways). NPR described the opening track, Black Myself, written by Amythyst, as “the simmering defiance of self-respect in the face of racism.” The supergroup will hit the road in July with special dates, including performances at Washington D.C.’s Smithsonian Museum of African American History & Culture and the Newport Folk Festival. In addition, the group has recently been nominated for Duo/Group of the Year at the 2019 Americana Honors & Awards.
Amythyst regularly tours the United Kingdom and has performed at Celtic Connections, Southern Fried Festival, Cambridge Folk Festival, the Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival, and SummerTyne Americana Festival. She is a crowd favorite at the Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion in the U.S. In addition, she has shined at the John F. Kennedy Center for Performing Arts, Smithsonian Folk Life Festival, Winnipeg Folk Festival, and opening for artists such as the Indigo Girls, Rhiannon Giddens, Dom Flemons, Old Crow Medicine Show, First Aid Kit, Darrell Scott, and Tim O’Brien.
Provocative and fierce, Amythyst’s ability to cross boundaries is groundbreaking and simply unforgettable.