Margo Cilker is an American singer-songwriter who specializes in Americana, a genre that blends folk, country, and rock influences. She was born in California, but has traveled extensively across the US and Europe, performing in various venues and festivals. She has released two albums, Pohorylle in 2021 and Valley of Heart’s Delight in 2023, both of which received critical acclaim for their authentic and nostalgic storytelling. She currently lives in Oregon, where she continues to write and record new songs. Some of her influences include Bob Dylan, Neil Young, and Emmylou Harris.
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Pohorylle[/caption]
Cilker started playing music at a young age, inspired by her father's record collection and her sister's harmonies. She moved to South Carolina for college, where she began writing her own songs and playing in coffee shops. She then spent some time in Spain and the UK, immersing herself in different cultures and musical scenes. She eventually settled in Eastern Oregon, a small town near the Snake River, where she found inspiration in the natural beauty and the history of the region.
Cilker's debut album, Pohorylle, was named after the original surname of war photographer Gerda Taro, who died in the Spanish Civil War. The album explores themes of identity, loss, and resilience, drawing from Cilker's own experiences as a traveler and a woman. The album was produced by Sera Cahoone, a former Sub Pop artist and Band of Horses drummer, who assembled a stellar band of musicians to accompany Cilker's vocals and guitar. The album was praised by NPR, Rolling Stone, and Paste Magazine, among others, for its lyrical depth and sonic richness.
Cilker's sophomore album, Valley of Heart’s Delight, refers to a place she can't return: California’s Santa Clara Valley, as it was known before the orchards were paved over and became more famous for Silicon than apricots. Cilker is the fifth generation of Cilker’s born there, and in this 11-song collection, family and nature intertwine as guiding motifs, at once precious and endangered, beautiful and exhausting. The album was also produced by Cahoone, who brought back the same crew of musicians from the first album, as well as some new additions, such as Paul Brainard on pedal steel and telecaster, Annie Staninec on fiddle, and Caleb Klauder on mandolin and harmony. The album also features a cover of "Steelhead Trout" by Idaho native Ben Walden, who sings and plays harmonica on the track. The album showcases Cilker's growth as a songwriter and storyteller, as she delves into the complexities of living in and off of nature, and within and without family.
Margo Cilker is a rising star in the Americana scene, with a distinctive voice and a captivating style. She has toured extensively across the US and internationally, and has shared the stage with artists such as John Prine, Mandolin Orange, and Courtney Marie Andrews. She is a staple in the independent festival circuit, and has performed at AmericanaFest, Pickathon, and Red Ants Pants, among others. She looks forward to returning to the road in full swing in 2024, and to sharing her songs with new and old fans alike.