Kara Jackson seeks to answer "open-ended questions" at Workman's Cellar gig

American singer-songwriter Kara Jackson knows how to blend elements of emotional folk and poetic alt-country to create a distinct sound. Jackson writes her lyrics as a poet and songwriter with radical honesty while also being emotional and poetic. Recently, she announced her highly anticipated headline show at The Workman's Cellar in Dublin on Sunday, September 10th.

At her Ireland show, the award-winning musician is very likely to perform songs from her debut album, Why Does the Earth Give Us People to Love?. It was released on April 14 by September Recordings and continues her signature style of asking open-ended questions.

Jackson's songs deal with deeper questions, like the one in the album's title, but also: "How do we give ourselves permission to yearn for the people we miss? How do we find the courage to let go of what begs to be released? How do we have the audacity to love in spite of everything invented to deter us from it?"

Happy Album release day @fridahalo ! pic.twitter.com/QFX1z77K55

— NNAMDÏ (@NnamdisWorld) April 14, 2023

The multi-talented artist wrote and recorded the original demos in her childhood bedroom during the days of the pandemic. With her close friends and fellow artists Nnamdi, KAINA, and Sen Morimoto, she re-recorded the demos to shape the production and create the atmospheric sound she is known for.

Most of the songs on Jackson's album deliberately avoid traditional song structures and instead use thick lyricism, as she says: "There’s so many words on this project, it’s important for me that people know I can write things, maybe in ways they aren’t used to seeing."

As a result, her lyrics and imagery are vibrant, and her storytelling feels like a combination of a journal entry, a breakup letter, and a prayer for a lost loved one.

Listen to Kara Jackson's debut album below:

Her songs, which alternate between being soft and warm and sharp and profound, are reminiscent of other black feminist poets such as Gwendolyn Brooks and Lucille Clifton.

Jackson's writing abilities and talent were evident even at a young age. She began playing the piano at the age of five and later taught herself to play the guitar. Her love for poetry began in high school, when she recognised herself as the black queer all-rounder that she is.

Tickets for Kara Jackson‘s Dublin gig go on sale this Friday, April 21st, and can be purchased here.