Katie Murphy

Personal Stories of love, loss and heartbreak are a time-honoured tradition in the singer-songwriter genre -- but few have used them with such devastating effect as Winnipeg's Katie Murphy.
On her latest EP, Exes and Uh-Ohs, Murphy details how her relationship with her husband came to the utter brink of falling apart, with a brutal honesty that belies her gentler acoustic moments.
"My personal life falls into this EP quite a bit," says Murphy. "My husband and I, we've been married a long time, but we took a year break from our marriage. At the time, we didn't know if it was going to be permanent or not, and I was writing for this EP. I found that the theme of heartbreak became a constant in the songwriting.
"The theme also covers mistakes, and I made many mistakes while making this record," she continues. "It took me a long time to put this out because of the difficulties I was having. The original record was intended to have 10 songs, but I wasn't happy with all of them."
Murphy's songwriting isn't all despair, however -- there are plenty of playful moments (the backing vocals on her single "Oooo! (She's got a lot going on!)",for example, can only be described as zany), and overall, the EP is strangely uplifting. Musically, Murphy transcends typical singer/songwriter fare, falling closer into the realm of multi-instrumental indie folk rock.
"I'm the kind of performer that likes to talk about real things that we all go through," says Murphy, "and then I like to have a good laugh about it in the end. I don't like to stay mired in the sadness, although I do think its important to acknowledge it." - Planet S Magazine

On her second EP, folk songstress Katie Murphy is assisted by some familiar locals (J.D. Edwards, former Duhks vocalist Jessee Havey, Ingrid Gatin and producer Lloyd Peterson, to name a few) as she weaves tales of breakups penned during a one-year separation from her husband. On Don't Go After Girls Who Warn You, Murphy's crying tone sways to Gatin's accordion parts. Lighthearted harmonies cloak the melancholy on Oooo! (She's Got A Lot Going On!) and I Can't Wait Much More, while Walking Alone seems destined for radio fame. Exes & Uh Ohs is a revealing album that straddles longing lyrics with playful embellishments - so dolefully sincere; it's hard not to be affected. - The Uptown Magazine

Exes and Uh Ohs is the latest EP from Winnipeg pop-folk artist Katie Murphy. Featuring six songs about break-ups written during a trial separation from her husband, it opens strong, the first two tracks providing playful and energetic melodies. With both vocals and instruments hitting the ground running, Murphy then pulls back for a few introspective ballads, only to pick up the pace again closing with a slow-building, bittersweet power-ballad titled "Walking Alone" (think of a more subdued "Dog Days Are Over"). Featuring a slew of contributors from some of Winnipeg's most prominent musical acts like Marie-Josee Dandeneau (Oh My Darling) on bass, David Pankratz (Quinzy) on drums, Jessee Havey (formerly of The Duhks) on backing vocals as well as producer Lloyd Peterson (The Wailin' Jennys, The Weakerthans, Los Lobos) Exes and Uh Ohs offers a consistently polished and appealing sound. Murphy's bluesy vocals are silky but husky in a way that only hints at how mesmerizing she must be live. A nice, soulful piece from a local artist worth checking out. - Stylus magazine

FILE UNDER: A songbird flies home. SUBSTANCE: A family tragedy brought singer-songwriter Murphy back to her hometown last year shortly after che cut this set of personable melodic folk-pop. Lucky for us, she’s decided to stay awhile – so we’ll get to hear the breezy vocalist do these charming songs live. STANDOUTS: The playfully boho That’s Right, the lightly rocking All That I Wanted, the soulful, horn-flecked This Ring. - The Winnipeg Sun

This newly-released, happy-go-lucky compilation of songs by Katie Murphy, who has recently returned to her hometown of Winnipeg. Her voice is sweet! The songs have an interesting rhythm with perhaps a bit of reggae. When I Got Sick would sound nice in a dark lounge with her in the spotlight and a long red dress. Songs that follow are energized. The album is short, but the quality of voice and its spirit make it worthwhile. Her family provides important content, influencing lyrics, tone, album art and comments. This includes home photos. All of the lyrics concern family and relationships – a bit much perhaps (particularly pictures of the singer with pregnant belly exposed). Consider: “How would it be if we were made three? Well what about me?” - The Uniter

Katie Murphy has a rich timbre to her voice and a lilt in her piano that’ll put a spring in her step. Her debut, A Nest in a Box, bounces along nicely with subtle tempo and style changes. A singer/songwriter much in the vain of Carole King or Linda Ronstadt, Murphy is comfortable with a number of subjects both serious and light-hearted. There is just the right amount of diversity to give the listener a healthy slice of life through Katie’s eyes without being pulled in too many directions. - Stylus magazine