Valerie Orth

Described as "soulful, genuine, and edgy" by the San Francisco Bay Guardian, and an "indie folk powerhouse" by Eugene's Source Weekly, Valerie Orth is a fearless and genre-bending songwriter, who makes the personal political. Valerie's "songs and vocalizations are unpredictable and highly original - just when you think she's going to settle into a familiar groove, off she flies into the stratosphere with phrasings you never saw coming,? writes The Jefferson Agrarian.

Abigail Picache on drums, Veronika Safarova on bass, and Eryn Pola on keys complete Valerie's dynamic all-female band. Abigail's and Veronika's enchanting and sometimes haunting harmonies add immensely to the band's constantly-evolving sound. Every song boasts its own unique twist of folk, soul, funk, heavy rock, or even a little trip-hop, and all ooze raw emotion.

With a soft tornado of passion, Valerie constantly works to tie in music with her long-time activism as a human rights organizer. Also having been called "neo-Ani," Valerie's lyrics hit hard personally and politically. Not unlike some of her influences, such as Tracy Chapman, Valerie's roots are well planted in a fight for social and economic justice. With a captivating voice and stage presence, she delivers a message of unity, love and hope that people need to hear. A grassroots organizer for seven years, Valerie co-founded WomenROCK (www.myspace.com/womenrockmusic) in 2005, empowering women rockers in the Bay Area while producing concerts to raise funds for local non-profits.

Independently, Valerie released her debut solo album, "This At Last" in 2007. With this album, she came onto the scene strong as a songwriter not afraid to speak out against political injustices. Yet, Valerie still takes the listener on a more personal journey through the depths and heights of relationships and love. In 2008, the Valerie Orth Band released their first EP, which has already caught the attention of some radio stations. Valerie is currently working on her second full length album with producer Jon Evans, which should be completed by the end of 2009. While steadily building a loyal fan-base in cities across the country, Valerie is constantly working to write great songs that empower and inspire.