Daphne Eckman & Grace Gardner
City Winery Philadelphia presents Daphne Eckman & Grace Gardner live on January 25th at 7:30pm
Daphne Eckman is only kind of sorry about making you cry. The Annapolis, Maryland-based indie folk singer-songwriter creates an unapologetic space for catharsis: inspiring not just tears, but laughter, scream-singing, and stomp-the-floor angst, too. Eckman’s five piece band (whose members are affectionately referred to as “the ladies”) is devoted to musical and emotional arrangement, creating impact in every moment. Eckman has opened for Nancy Wilson of Heart, Bailen, Deb Talen of The Weepies, and Vanessa Carlton. Eckman’s debut album “where you left me”, releasing January 2024, highlights her relationships and quest for autonomy in her early 20’s, with singles “iris”, “ghost”, and “jackson pollock” already published and paving the way. Filtering acoustically driven songs through folk and indie rock influences such as Joni Mitchell, Phoebe Bridgers, Radiohead, and Big Thief, Daphne Eckman wears her heart on her sleeve as she rips yours out: all with a guitar and a smile.
Raised on the outskirts of a Texas city, now living in Philadelphia, Grace Gardner is pushing the boundaries of the singer/songwriter genre. While her music adopts many of the genre’s characteristics, she’s found inspiration in her parents’ taste in 70s and 80s rock, in the folk roots of her southern upbringing, and in the indie-storytelling she found herself returning to most. Taking it one step further: producing all of her own music allows Grace to maintain a personal, authentic touch in each of her pieces. Her lyricism is evocative and emotional, poignantly penning about the joys and tribulations in relationships, in recovery, and in her identity — typically backdropped by fingerpicked acoustic guitar and intricate production.
Her inspirations are eclectic powerhouse writers from the 1970s — Carole King, Stevie Nicks, and Joni Mitchell are her “Big 3.” As Grace started honing in on her own musical style, finding the intersection between soft rock, indie, and folk, she’s taken even more inspiration from artists like Brandi Carlile, Sara Bareilles, and Madison Cunningham. Grace plays ten instruments and uses orchestral, brass, percussive, and software-based elements in her works. Along with being a singer, songwriter, and instrument player, Grace is also a producer and arranger.
Grace’s debut EP, Peach, was released in March 2023, featuring the lead single, “Deny Me.” She’s joined emerging indie artists Ella Jane, Adam Melchor, and Tiny Habits on their tours this year. Grace’s sophomore EP is due at the top of 2024.
ADV $20 / DOS $25
