Kaia Kater - “Parallels”

SXSW 2023 - OEB Score: 8; Popularity Index: 6

Pairs Well With…Alison Russell, Rhiannon Giddens, Adia Victoria

Rooted in Appalachian folk and the traditions of an original Black art-form, Kaia Later gives off an immediate sense of authenticity across three records since 2015 and most recent single “Parallels”. Sparse, often with a lone banjo accompaniment, Kater gets right to the root of her songs and provides an experience that connects to the past with real heart. While there is a studied approach that’s clear in Kater’s music, she rarely sound academic. Instead, there’s emotion in ghostly string-picking as she finds a way to highlight the rawness of this defined musical direction. Old spirituals inform Kater’s songwriting as well, a connecting point that gets to why this music is so powerful, melodies carrying weight that connect generations. “Parallels” is a bit of a new direction for Kaia Kater, more jazz oriented and living in a neo-soul groove, a signpost that there are multitudes within her rooted songwriting. The Canadian artist opens of M for Montreal’s showcase on Monday night at Swan Dive, an opportunity to start SXSW in a rich, Americana space. (Kevin McStravick)