Pretty Gritty
Soulful Americana
Pretty Gritty might be another duo emerging from a sea of female/male acts as of late, but there is nothing typical about these two. Sarah and Blaine have cultivated a sound that is both timeless and classic, yet they still succeed in bringing something fresh to the table, pushing rootsy-Americana sounds into an edgy, alternative space. These two have carved out a reputation as a must-see live act, allowing them to open for such acts as The Wood Brothers (SalmonFest 2016), Michael Franti & Spearhead (SalmonFest 2018), Chris Eldridge, Tim O'Brian, Tony Trischka (Charm City Folk & Bluegrass Festival 2013), Rod Picott, Lake Street Dive, Ben Sollee & the Kentucky Native and Joe Newberry.
Both members utilize their multi-instrumental skills to sing, play stringed instruments and hold down back-beats, all simultaneously for a truly engaging experience. But they are not simply just entertainers. It is their mesmerizing vocal harmonies and beautifully crafted songwriting that really tug at the heartstrings and earn them life-long fans. The duo originally formed in Maryland in 2010, but after completing two (completely DIY) national tours, Sarah and Blaine decided to relocate to Portland, Ore. At first they hit the streets, busking downtown, but it didn't take long for folks to take notice. Pretty Gritty are now playing at venues all over the Pacific Northwest. They have successfully completed several tours, covering ground all over Oregon, Washington, Montana, Colorado, Utah and Alaska.
Pretty Gritty's self-titled debut album (2012) features the well known jam/festival scene artist, Keller Williams, as the voice of the devil on the track titled "Hellhound Blues." This freshman attempt won them two Indie Music Channel awards, Best Country Song and Best Folk Song.
In 2015, Pretty Gritty began their relationship with producers Fred Cannon & Paul Buono at Creative & Dreams Music Network (Nashville, Tenn.,) where they recorded their Lonely Road EP (released February 2016). Pleased with the experience, everyone decided to continue the relationship and return to the studio to record a full album, Seven Year Itch which was released in March 2018 and has been receiving rave reviews and radio play across the United States, Canada, the UK and other places throughout Europe.
"There is something simply divine coming out of Portland, Ore., and it's the duo Pretty Gritty. Their release Seven Year Itch is a colorful palette of their songwriting and multi-instrumental skills. Sarah and Blaine have a sound that is a timeless treasure, they also succeed in bringing something fresh to the rootsy-Americana genre. Pretty Gritty is a flawless fit."
-Lou Flesh, No Depression Magazine
- Website:
- http://www.prettygrittymusic.com
- Facebook:
- http://www.facebook.com/prettygritty