PROFILE

San Francisco based Rykarda Parasol (\reh-kaer-dah\) plays "rock noir" that evokes moody atmospheres and gin-drenched romanticism. Aptly describing the sound as underhanded and white-collar criminal, the music draws comparisons to Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, Nico and the Velvet Underground, Black Heart Procession, and Johnny Cash. These cinematic songs tell stories of bad deeds and betrayed loves with stark simplicity.

The daughter of a Holocaust survivor and Swedish mom, Rykarda Parasol (her real name), began writing and performing after returning to her native San Francisco following some years living in both Los Angeles and Texas. Her experiences became the inspiration for poignant songs about isolation, detachment, and death. Those true accounts have a dominant space on the album “Our Hearts First Meet”, the follow-up to the well-received EP “Here She Comes". You can catch a sample of the songs at MySpace.com.

New Recordings: Rykarda is working on a new record to be released in early 2009. With a number of duets and backing vocal appearances, Rykarda will also be featured on a few other artist's albums, like the Bellmer Dolls. On September 23, '08 the Lower Class Revolt Vol 2 compilation will feature a Rykarda track. And in addition, three acoustic tracks will appear on another compilation also slated for fall release (stay tuned for more info on that).

Performances: In the past few years, Parasol has shared the stage with artists such as Frank Black, Jason Collett, Jolie Holland, the Trail of Dead, Munly and the Lee Lewis Harlots, Slim Cessna's Auto Club, 50Foot Wave (Kirsten Hirsh), Chuck Prophet, Jonette Napolitano (Concrete Blonde), the Bellmer Dolls, Willard Grant Conspiracy, American Music Club, and Colin Hay among others. She and her band have performed at SXSW, The Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival, The Orange Blossom Festival (Germany), The Mission Creek Music Festival, and Benefit for the Austin Music Network. Rykarda also continues to tour in Europe and the US.

Players: Some of the performers appearing recently on stage with Rykarda include... Greg Benitz (guitar/keys), Brian Gregory (bass vocals), Robert Marzio (drums), Jacob Fury (violin), Anne Sullivan (violin), Rachel Hoiem (piano/keyboard), Keeven (vocals), Max Hart (piano/keyboard) and Adam Aaronson (drums).

The Hive: Rykarda is also known for establishing the Hive. The secret location art salon is home to lots of underground activity. Some events are public, yet most are by invitation. The Hive has featured literary readings, visual arts, music, and fashion. Events have included works and performances by the Bellmer Dolls, Veil Veil Vanish, author Phil LaMarche, and Matt Gonzales politician/artist.

In fall ’08, the Hive will release a charitable music compilation for private release. The compilation will feature darkly inspired music by close-knit friends with tracks by Rykarda, the Holy Kiss and the Magick Daggers amoung others. Stay tuned for more information on this release.

“Rykarda Parasol is a gem & so is her private artist collective (the) Hive in the spirit of Andy Warhol's factory... Sophistication that managed to be rough around the edges.” - Yelp.com