Inspired by songwriting masters both contemporary and decades-old, Amythyst Kiah has become a powerful voice within the folk music industry, offering a fresh take on American roots music and advocating for marginalized artists. In this discussion and demonstration, Amythyst will share her perspectives on artistic inspiration, the struggles and rewards of the creative process, and the diverse female songwriters – from Memphis Minnie to Tori Amos – that have influenced and helped inform her own work.

Born in Chattanooga and now based in Johnson City, Amythyst Kiah’s commanding stage presence is matched by her raw and powerful vocals—a deeply moving, hypnotic sound that stirs echoes of a distant and restless past. Her eclectic influences span decades, finding inspiration in old time music, alternative rock, folk, country, and blues. As a solo artist, she is regularly accompanied interchangeably with banjo, acoustic guitar, or a full band. Our Native Daughters, her recent collaboration with Rhiannon Giddens, Leyla McCalla, and Allison Russell (Birds of Chicago), has delivered a full-length album produced by Rhiannon Giddens and Dirk Powell, Songs of Our Native Daughters (out now on Smithsonian Folkways). NPR described the opening track, “Black Myself”, written by Amythyst, as “the simmering defiance of self-respect in the face of racism.” Provocative and fierce, Amythyst’s ability to cross boundaries is groundbreaking and simply unforgettable.

This event is part of Common Fence Music’s 3rd Annual Fall Moon Festival, a fun mini-festival dedicated to songs and songwriters.