Heather Maloney

Heather Maloney returns with a new album, Making Me Break, that Bluegrass Situation calls “an intoxicating blend that captures the sonic texture of indie rock, the humanity of folk, and the spirituality of a Rumi poem.” She started writing songs after living and working for three years in a silent-retreat meditation center in central Massachusetts. “It really gave me a sense of purpose in my writing,” she says. “If I didn’t write songs, I’d be covered in tattoos, because every song I write is something I want to remember really badly.”

Singout! calls her music “a glorious mix of old and new,” and praises her “passion and talent.” Her pure, crystalline voice calls to mind Joni Mitchell, which is why, when she played a house concert with Darlingside at the home of a New York Times music critic, she and the band were urged to record Joni’s song “Woodstock.” The video of that recording went viral. “Hipster detachment is so not me,” Heather says. “I’m a raw person, sensitive to a fault.” That sensitivity and deep immersion in the music is apparent in every note she sings. The Huffington Post praises her “lyrics that cut to the chase,” and DigBoston declares that she “deserves the type of cult following that has brought success to the likes of Aimee Mann and Ani DiFranco.” Here is a talented young performer who lays it all on the line. The results are stunning.