PROFILE

San Francisco based Rykarda Parasol (\reh-kaer-dah\) plays "rock noir" that evokes moody atmospheres and gin-drenched romanticism. Describes 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.

New Album: "For Blood and Wine" the self-produced and self-released new album by Rykarda Parasol was released this past October 20th '09. The album is already available for download on Amazon.com and iTunes. Click here for album info.

Background: 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 from a unique female point of view, which has been labeled "gender defying". Those true accounts have a dominant space on the acclaimed debut album “Our Hearts First Meet” (now self-released). In addition to writing and performing, Parasol has remained an independant artist for many years producing and releasing her own albums, designing her own graphics and stage-wear, as well as booking and managing her band. The difficulties of such undertakings are not always easy, but a passion for poetic song-writing can leave little option otherwise.

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, 50Foot Wave (Kirsten Hirsh), Chuck Prophet, Jonette Napolitano (Concrete Blonde), and American Music Club 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), Nick Ott (drums), Jacob Fury (violin), Anne Sullivan (violin), Rachel Hoiem (piano/keyboard), 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.

“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

Daisy Rock Endorsement: Thanks to the kind folks at Daisy Rock Guitars for hooking Rykarda up with a sleek black electric guitar. Check out Daisy Rock Guitars here.