Song Spotlight: Marika Christine's Enjoy the Clouds (a night at The Fable)

In support of her third studio album Enjoy the Clouds, Marika Christine (Marika Christine Stuurman) dropped by The Fable to open up the Ryan Pollie Tuesday night showcase. Since I try to limit how many nights a week I head out to catch live music, I was considering going out on either Monday or Tuesday night. I knew specific artists that were playing on Monday and Tuesday, but there were also artists that were new to me. I decided to go out on the night where I liked the music of the unknown artist the best. I went to Spotify and took a listen. I decided I enjoyed Marika Christine's music the best. It was kind of a coin flip as both were solid, but I leaned towards Tuesday night. 

Marika Christine at The Fable

I will say that it was definitely the correct decision due to various circumstances. Of course, I didn't know if I made the right decision up until she hit the stage as the opening act. When she started to sing "Sunflower" with her story-time-before-bedtime vocals, I immediately knew I would love the set. Her backing band added the perfect addition with the steel guitar and keys providing a lovely melody and the bass and drums adding a complimentary beat.  

Now I described her vocals one way, but her website has a better description, "Her music creates a whimsical atmosphere to navigate the highs and lows of life. Sonic influences include Laurel Canyon folk, indie pop, and gentle psychedelic rock." An added note is that she is from San Francisco. 

Marika Christine at The Fable

The crowd favorite may very well have been "According to the Bee." Her song "Apricot" added a nice twist to the set with a light touch experimental jazz flare with cool synth rhythms. She also gave up the microphone for a minute or two and the band (along with her on guitar) tore into a tight instrumental break.

The song spotlight goes to the title track "Enjoy the Clouds." A country-folk tune that glides blissfully through your reflections. A song about the her younger self thinking about adulthood and her older self thinking about her youthful dreams? 

Marika Christine at The Fable

One day you'll find everything to be in the perfect place.

Setlist: Sunflower, Enjoy the Clouds, According to the Bee, Truth Talk, Blue for You, Bad Butterflies, Apricot, Buckle Up Baby.