The singer/songwriter scene is alive and well, and thanks to artists like Chicago-based indie rock musician Martha Berner, it looks to stay that way. With an in-store performance at the Exclusive Company stores in Greenfield and Brown Deer on Saturday, Nov. 5, Berner is ready to share her acoustic lovin'.
Berner, who grew up in Williams Bay, Wis. -- 45 miles south of Milwaukee -- released her debut full-length album, "This Side of Yesterday," on Oct. 18. Recorded in three different cities including Madison, Wis., Berner felt it was time to expand upon her self-released EP. What came out of the woodwork was a wonderful blend of indie rock and Americana.
"The album has a good feel to it, it moves," says Berner. "There are 10 songs, and there's three different types of music. But, there's a certain cohesiveness to it all. I wanted it to feel like a mix tape."
The album, which could easily find a comfortable spot next to Norah Jones, provides vocal excellence and simple acoustic beats. The opening track, "Woman of Plenty," is a song that captures the idea of discovering wholeness when everything appears empty.
"It's lyrically and vocally driven," Berner adds. "It's dynamic and warm at the same time."
Surrounded by her parents' love of music throughout her childhood, which included artists such as Cream and Simon & Garfunkel, Berner followed suit and picked up a guitar at 17. Berner also picked up a trumpet, harmonica and some percussion instruments, adding to her musical repertoire. "This Side of Yesterday" gives listeners a taste of each.
Growing up in a town of approximately 2,200 people helped fuel Berner's talents as well.
"It forces you to be creative," she adds.
After two years of mastering the guitar, Berner decided to pursue music full-time at 19, a decision she surely isn't regretting.
"It's a lot of work, and there's millions of roads to choose," she says. "To me, it's a form of expression where I can connect to people."
And when it comes to performing live, Berner's always up for it.
"I've never been afraid."
Martha Berner will be performing an intimate acoustic performance at the Exclusive Company stores in Greenfield, 5026 S. 74th St., at 2 p.m. and Brown Deer, 9180 Green Bay Rd., at 4 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 5.
Berner returns to the Milwaukee area on Saturday, Nov. 12, performing at the Exclusive Company store in Brookfield, 16750 W. Bluemound Rd., at 4 p.m. and ending the evening with a 9 p.m. performance at The Annex on Marquette's campus, 16th and Wells St..
A Nov. 17 show at Rochambo Coffee & Tea House, 1317 E. Brady St, will top off the Milwaukee area mini-tour.
Martha Berner's Web site is marthaberner.com.
