Pikara ..

If you haven't yet heard Pikara, there's never been a better time to discover the music of Sara Johanne, particularly if, like me, you're gazing out of the window at snow. Intricate and complex, Pikara is a collection of piano based pieces, complemented by soaring strings and Sara's versatile vocals, it's the sound of winter at it's most beautiful. High res photos are available and interviews are invited. Andrea x Pikara This Hollow 24 March 2015 Pikara is the solo project from Sara Johanne who grew up on Rindö, Sweden, an island outside Stockholm where she studied violin at Malungs Folkhogskola. Though Sara Johanne currently resides in the sinuous hills of the Columbia Gorge in Washington state, a Swedish folk music influence can clearly be heard on her new album 'This Hollow'. Johanne embarked on her solo career after living in the Pacific Northwest and working as a pianist and bassist with bands Susurrus Station and Zouaves. 'This Hollow' is the third Pikara album and makes a departure from the sound of previous releases, which have ranged from slow, dark, meandering pop to sparse tripped out instrumental compositions. 'This Hollow' centres around piano based pieces, complemented by soaring string arrangements. The album was recorded and produced by Jason Breeden; he is also responsible for the beautiful photography that accompanies the release.