Artist Biography

Whimsical, haunting, dreamlike music that eschews the traditional formulae, Cheyenne Marie Mize presents a rainbow of contradictions. Her 2010 debut, Before Lately, has been described as rugged and gentle, innocent and forlorn, spacious and intimate, desolate and uplifting.The New York Times went on to describe her as "sweet without being cloying, weary without hopelessness," noted the vast space between notes, yet lack of air.

Indeed, her multifaceted songwriting does not fit neatly into categorization, much to the chagrin of the typical armchair critic. Guitar, piano, bells, occasional percussion, and honey-tinged vocals make up this simple, immaculate collection of vintage torch ballads, engrossed in twinkling bucolic imagery that showcases a soul twice her age. Everything from chamber music to Mazzy Star desert meditations, classic rhythm and blues sounds to nods toward The Carter Family can be found in some shade throughout her slow-burning debut. Of course, Mize, as demonstrated, is not content to exist in just one musical space, as her recent live shows move closer to ornate indie rock.

While Mize is a relative newcomer to the national stage, her prolific output helped to make her a staple of her native Louisville. After gaining attention as an integral but understated member of Arnett Hollow and Maiden Radio, she introduced herself internationally on the 10 release Among the Gold with Bonnie "Prince" Billy - a collection of late 19th century American parlor music handpicked by Mize and Oldham. Mize continued her alliance with Ben Sollee as a major player in the Dear Companion tour supporting Ben and Daniel Martin Moore's collaborative Sub Pop release in early 2010.

For 2011, Cheyenne Marie Mize will continue to command the front of the stage - touring heavily and writing new songs that will surprise those who've already gotten used to Before Lately. Cheyenne is an artist constantly in transition, and consistently exciting.