Acclaimed singer, songwriter and musician Katie Pruitt’s highly anticipated new album, Mantras, is out today via Rounder Records. Stream/purchase HERE. In conjunction with the release, a new video for album track, ‘Self Sabotage’, is also out today. Watch/share HERE.Produced by Jake Finch and Collin Pastore (both known for their work with boygenius and Lucy Dacus) and recorded at Nashville’s The Shed, Mantras is Pruitt’s most personal work to date and first new album in four years, following her acclaimed 2020 debut, Expectations.
Critical acclaim for Mantras: “A gritty soft rocker that nevertheless sparkles”—NPR Music“stellar lyricism and earth-shattering vocal prowess…Mantras exhibits exponential growth in every aspect”—Nashville Scene
“soulful powerhouse of a voice…she finds little ways to line these dark narratives in gleaming silver rings of hope”—No Depression
“Pruitt continues to establish herself as a dynamic presence in the music industry, captivating audiences with her soul-stirring vocals and thought-provoking lyrics”—Entertainment Focus
“Exploring complex feelings on family, religion, and her own mind, angelic vocals meet a grungy folk-rock sound.”—Nashville Lifestyles
“a rising artist embodying courage and vulnerability”—Good Faith Media
“Pruitt continues to show off her lyrical genius”—The Indy Review
“A voyage told in staggering soundscapes and dazzling vocals.” – Holler
Known for her powerful live performances, Pruitt is currently in the midst of an extensive US headline tour. She will also perform at several major festivals this year including Stagecoach, Railbird Festival, Calgary Stampede and Fairwell Festival. Full details can be found at www.katiepruitt.com/tour.Reflecting on the project, Pruitt shares, “Mantras is a full circle journey from self-sabotage to self-compassion. Writing this record forced me to stop seeking external validation from the rest of the world and turn my focus inward. After hitting a low point that caused me to seek extensive therapy, I realized I had a problem with negative self-talk. So I started writing down phrases of encouragement and repeating mantras in the mirror. Through this practice I learned how to be a kinder friend to myself and ultimately a kinder friend to others. When life gets heavy and the future feel overwhelmingly out of our control, we can learn to turn inwards and build a home inside of ourselves.”
In addition to Pruitt, Finch and Pastore, Mantras also features musicians Maggie Chaffee (strings), Dave Cohen (keys), Anthony Da Costa (guitar), Kris Donegan (guitar), Laura Epling (strings), Camille Faulkner (strings), Will Honaker (guitar, keys), Taylor Ivey (bass), Kevin McGowan (drums) and Johnny Williamson (guitar).
The new music adds to a series of breakout years for Pruitt following Expectations, of which NPR Morning Edition praised, “such clarity of expression and disarming intimacy—Expectations is aesthetically warmhearted even in its tensest moments of confrontation.” Additionally, Rolling Stone declared, “A soaring vocalist and agile guitarist, Pruitt is a dynamic new presence,” while Pitchfork proclaimed, “With stately ballads and choruses to shatter glass, the Nashville singer-songwriter’s debut builds into a record that feels deeply thoughtful and unified.”
Originally from the Atlanta suburbs and now based in Nashville, Pruitt has garnered widespread attention since her debut. She has been highlighted as a Rolling Stone “Artist You Need To Know,” one of NPR Music’s “Slingshot: 20 Artists To Watch” and has performed as part of CBS Mornings’ “Saturday Sessions” series and NPR Music’s “Tiny Desk (Home Concert)” series. In addition to numerous sold-out headline shows, Pruitt has also toured with artists such as Brandi Carlile, Indigo Girls, Shakey Graves, My Morning Jacket, American Aquarium, Lucero, City and Colour and more.
