Mikaela Davis: Harpist Embraces Rootsy LA Sound

Mikaela Davis, a singer-songwriter and harpist, has released her new album, Graceland Way, a work characterized by its light, loose, and rootsy sound inspired by Los Angeles. The album sees Davis channeling the cosmic mysticism often associated with jam bands, drawing parallels between the harp's inherent transcendence and the genre's spiritual leanings.

Recorded at Glendale's UHF Studio, Graceland Way was a collaborative effort, with Davis working with producer-bassist Dan Horne and guitarist John Lee Shannon. This partnership shifted her songwriting from solitary melancholia to a more open-ended, conversational style. The album's title itself is derived from the Los Angeles street where it was conceived, reflecting its serene and nature-inspired themes.

Musically, the album features Davis's harp used as a contrapuntal voice against distinctly Americana-leaning electric guitar parts. While the arrangements might flirt with cliché, Davis pushes them into her own unique territory, creating an accessible and floatable world within her simple expression. Sly production tricks occasionally destabilize the familiar soundtrack, adding unexpected twists.