Ahead of her new upcomming EP, dropping in Fall of 2024, Agata Karczewska has captivated the roots music scene once again with her new single, Rodeo. Known for blending American folk and country influences, Agata’s music often surprises listeners given her Polish roots. This new track, produced by Marcin Bors, showcases her distinct sound and raw, introspective songwriting.
RootsnRevelry Review
I’m new to Agata Karczewska and her Polish folk Americana, but I am now a dedicated fan. After listening to her newest single, Rodeo, I was drawn into a whirlpool that carried me through her entire discography. I can wholeheartedly say it’s a disservice to the Roots Community that Agata is not a household name. She cites Ani DiFranco as her inspiration, which certainly shines through; however, I also hear hints and vibes of honeyhoney or Suzanne Santo. Comparisons aside, Agata has created something uniquely her own. Her lyrics are profound and touching, her instrumentals are bare and sincere—all the perfect ingredients for a modern-day folk hero.
Her newest single, Rodeo, is the perfect bite-sized introduction to Karczewska’s music. Simple and stripped-down instrumentals pave the way for Agata’s impressive vocals. The steady drumbeat and rhythm guitar allow the twangy background tones to shine when necessary; less is more when you have something to say. Lyrically, Rodeo paints a melancholic yet complex narrative, touching on contentment, unmet dreams, desires, and regrets. All the while, it’s brilliantly written with an ironically positive undertone, as if tempting life to throw its worst at you: “This is not my first rodeo.”
Agata Karczewska has become a RootsnRevelry favorite overnight.
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About the Artist
Early Life and Influences
Agata Karczewska is from Warsaw, Poland. Her love for music blossomed early, drawing inspiration from American folk and country traditions. Despite her Polish roots, her music resonates with the sounds of the American southeast.
She admires songwriters like Ani DiFranco, Bob Dylan and Elliot Smith, whose introspective and candid style has heavily influenced her own songwriting. Agata’s deep connection to these genres is evident in her work, showcasing a mature understanding of the themes and emotions within folk and country music.
Previous Releases
Agata Karczewska’s music career started to gain momentum with the release of her debut EP, You’re Not So Special. This project set the tone for her style, blending heartfelt lyrics with soulful melodies.
In 2019, she released her first full-length album, I’m Not Good at Having Fun, which received praise for its depth and authenticity. Her single Dark Horse, released in early 2024, continued to build her reputation in the music world. This track, along with standout performances at festivals like Open’er, Pol’and’Rock, and Way Out West, solidified her presence in the music scene.
In 2022, she collaborated with John Porter, an English songwriter residing in Poland, to produce the poignant track No Way to Say Goodbye. Their partnership blossomed, culminating in the release of the album On The Wrong Planet in June 2023, which subsequently won a prestigious Fryderyk Award in 2024.
This year, Agata has announced a new EP set for release in the autumn. With two singles already out, including Rodeo, fans eagerly await more from this talented artist.
Explore her music more through these updates on her career and releases.
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