The title track to Katie Barbato’s forthcoming EP is a warm and wistful ballad, sown in the highly melodic folk style of The Beatles.
The peace-loving Philly native has an innate knack for soaring major/ minor key transitions, imbued with timely, sweet-spot lyrics and supported with rich, cinematic accompaniment. Comparisons to Neko Case and Gillian Welch are perhaps a little too obvious here, as Katie seems to carve out her own niche as a folk rock formalist who creates from a deep well of experience.
Barbato explains, “To me, ‘The Art of Falling’ concept came from the desire to go through difficult times with grace and stamina. It is not about coming out on the other side the same as you were. After a fall, you are somewhere distantly familiar but full of possibility. Let the grief and sadness move through you, honor it, and stand up tall.”
The track is accompanied by a set of rustic visuals from director Dan Collins which extrapolate upon the passage of time, catching key moments from all four seasons. It’s a perfect bucolic match to Katie’s homespun Woodstock vibe, which we could all use a little more of in our lives.
