Chicago songwriter Heather Styka is not afraid to go where others fear to tread — and to get a little messy on the way. Beneath “sweet, soulful vocals” (Portland Press Herald) and “nimble fingerpicked guitar” (Dispatch Magazine) lie narratives of vulnerability, strength, and wanderlust, drawn from her extensive touring. These are the sort of songs that take you on a journey and haunt you all the way home. Indie folk musician Anna p.s. conveys a sense of weariness throughout her simple yet resonant songs, but it’s a weariness that keeps a blanket of hope tucked up under its chin, even as the rain keeps falling outside the windows. Grace always lurks around the corner on tunes that layer delicate vulnerability over the hearty stock of this songwriters’ spirit. With technical acumen acquired during an early career as an audio engineer, and a humble but confident stage presence groomed as a founding member of indie roots rock band Shiny Shiny Black, Anna stepped out as a solo musician in 2014. She’s been on the road intermittently ever since. Her debut LP Umbrella, released in July 2016, showcases her signature sonic blend of melancholy, hope, and resilience. With writing styles derived from artists such as Ingrid Michaelson and Brandi Carlile - Sandra Effert’s energetic and soulful music portrays her unique perspective into personal and emotional stories from her own life’s experiences.  From catchy, whimsical sonnets to deep, enduring ballads, her lyrics paint an enigmatic and vulnerable picture of not only the life she has lived, but the life she intends on living.