Last Friday, Tasha Viets-VanLear, a singer-songwriter from Chicago, released her third album, “All This and So Much More.” This album showcases her gentle indie-rock style while also expressing wide-screen emotions, maintaining her intimate touch. Interestingly, Tasha recently moved to New York City, which adds an extra layer of significance to her latest release.
Tasha’s journey with this album began in early 2023 when she joined the live band for the stage adaptation of Sufjan Stevens’s album “Illinoise.” This experience opened up new opportunities and perspectives for her career and life. Tragically, Tasha’s previous coproducer, Eric Littmann, passed away before the release of her album “Tell Me What You Miss the Most.” In a significant shift, she teamed up with Gregory Uhlmann, a Chicago native, to coproduce “All This and So Much More.”
Working with Uhlmann brought a fresh perspective and new ideas to Tasha’s music. Their collaboration in the studio resulted in a unique and captivating sound that Tasha embraced wholeheartedly. Despite the changes and challenges she faced during the recording process, Tasha found comfort and inspiration in Uhlmann’s vision and creativity.
Returning to Chicago to celebrate her album, Tasha will perform at Lincoln Hall on Friday, September 27. Her connection to Chicago runs deep, as she views the city as her home and finds solace in sharing her music with the people there. Opening for Tasha is McKinley Dixon, adding to the excitement of the event.
In a separate musical journey, Marian Runk, another Chicago singer-songwriter, recently self-released her second album, “Two Wires and a Spark.” Drawing inspiration from country and folk music, Runk’s love for this genre traces back to her childhood experiences listening to artists like Dolly Parton, Linda Ronstadt, and Emmylou Harris. Her musical roots, combined with her diverse influences, shape her unique sound and storytelling.
Runk’s path back to music started in her 30s, after exploring other artistic endeavors. With the support of collaborators like Steve Dawson, who played a significant role in recording her latest album, Runk found her voice and musical expression. Her upcoming performance at Judson & Moore Distillery on Sunday, September 29 promises to be a lively showcase of her album, featuring a live band and special energy that captures the essence of her music.
As the Chicago music scene continues to thrive, upcoming shows and concerts offer a diverse range of talent and experiences for music enthusiasts to explore. Whether it’s Tasha’s introspective indie-rock melodies or Marian Runk’s soulful country-folk tunes, these artists bring a unique perspective and sound to the local music scene. Don’t miss out on these upcoming performances that promise to be memorable and engaging for all music lovers.
