Swagatha Christie † THE CRAFT EP. http://swagathachristie.bandcamp.com/album/the-craft Produced by Old Krow. Halloween 2014. Recorded/ Mixed by Kyle Alexander Devine @ Flatline Studios. Additional Production and Vocals by Kyle Alexander Devine. Additional Vocals by Jordan Cruz.

Performing from the age of 15 in her hometown of Scappoose, Oregon, Stevi Marie has graced the stage with many talented artists and musicians, all of which who have contributed to her unique style. The energy that fills a room when she performs is contagious and addictive. Her fans come from miles around to soak in the infectious dynamism. Whether she is blowing a bluesy trumpet solo over the backdrop of a weeping steel guitar, strumming and singing an old country tune accompanied by her amazing band “Jackson Road”, or ripping a dirty punk-rock influenced guitar riff, the honesty and emotion for her love of music is always present. At a Stevi Marie & Jackson Road show the temptation to dance is irresistable. The group’s ability to play a fast-truckin’-2-step-honky-tonk driver, or a subtle laid-back groove keeps the listeners tappin’ their toes and entertained.

Stevi may not be a nationally known artist, however, she has had a top 50 hit on the European Country Music Chart of which she wrote and produced, music screened by top industry publishers and producers, showcased in Nashville and LA, and is approaching 1000 gigs. Her original music has been compared to the likes of the great Gram Parsons, and her voice to sensations Emmylou Harris and Suzy Bogguss, of which she kindly accepts with an unsure giddy smile.
As with any artist, inspiration is backed by real life experiences. Growing up in the woods of a small town in NW Oregon, owning several small businesses, later teaching in Navajo County, and marrying her best friend and band member, Gregory Jackson, has made for an interesting life story. On that note, the writing process is not always easy for her, but pulling ideas from familiar experiences has guided her songwriting over the years. While Stevi’s ability to capture the moment and emotions through a song is compelling and biting at times, she strives to be genuine.

Her newest album, Baby Blue Jeans, is a sincere effort at exploring her past relationships. Although the album is a reflection of the past, experiences of those interactions are ultimately revealed. Produced, recorded, and written by Stevi in Warren, Oregon, the record features great musicianship from country lead guitarist Chris Miller, steel guitarists Paul Brainard and Bob Love, pianist Matt Burnett, drummer Steve Shroy, fiddler Bob Baker, and bassist and vocalist Gregory Jackson. The basic tracks were recorded with Stevi singing and strumming acoustic guitar while Steve Shroy laid down the drums. Once the drum tracks were solid, Stevi overdubbed acoustic guitars and recorded the tight bass lines played by Greg Jackson. All other instruments were added until final tracks were chosen for the mixing process. Keith Sommers, a talented Producer/Engineer tweaked the final mixes and co-produced the songs “Around the Bend” and “Baby Blue Jeans (reprise)”. The brilliant Producer/Engineer Steve Sundholm (son of acclaimed Sunn amplifier creator), mastered the project adding depth to the home-recorded tracks.

In Stevi’s Words:

“There’s nothing I love more than driving my jeep down an old logging road on a warm Oregon summer day and then starting a bonfire as the sun goes down, grabbing my guitar, and singing songs with friends until the moon rises over the horizon. Performing, recording, and writing music needs to be enjoyable and in the moment as well. If I’m working in the studio and the atmosphere is not pleasurable then something’s not right; I’m either not connecting with the other musical contributors or I’m heading down the wrong path. I have never tried to be the next “whoever…” Yeah, sure I love the true great big name artists who have created a memorable presence here on earth with their musical influence and style. However, if I tried to pursue my musical career by copying another great artist what would I be? I wouldn’t be me…”

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