MaryKate O'Neil ... 1-800-Bankrupt
by Justin Kleinfeld

On May 2, Nettwerk / 71 Recordings will release 1-800-Bankrupt, the new album from singer / songwriter Marykate O’Neil. This glorious sophomore effort follows up Marykate’s critically acclaimed self-titled solo debut and reveals a gifted talent that’s hard not to fall in love with. 1-800-Bankrupt was co-produced by Roger Moutenot (Yo La Tengo; Beulah; Joseph Arthur; Sleater Kinney) and Jill Sobule, who also co-wrote and performs on several songs. The record also features guest performances from Matthew Caws (Nada Surf), James Haggerty (Josh Rouse), Mickey Grimm (Butterfly Boucher), Brad Jones, Jim Boggia and Rob Burger (Rufus Wainright).

Prior to life as a NYC-based solo artist, Marykate was the singer/songwriter/guitarist for Boston indie-poppers Piewackit,who inked a deal with IRS Records (R.E.M., The Police, The Go-Go's) and gigged alongside the likes of Elliot Smith, Mary Lou Lord, Lois, and Ida. With the release of her solo debut, critics were comparing Marykate’s talent to some of the most revered artists in the world: An Astrid Gilberto meets Elvis Costello breeding experiment, a female George Harrison, a Carole King in the Brill building tradition; a Copotesque storyteller and a genre unto herself. Completely funded by Marykate, the album took off on quality alone and managed to peak at number 8 on the CMJ top 200 radio airplay chart while also garnering fantastic reviews, including 4-stars in Rolling Stone.

1-800-Bankrupt expands on the sound that first brought Marykate all the great attention. The songwriting is both more intricate and grand in scale and the production and instrumentation is tightly wound. There are a number of tracks that will grab your attention from the first listen: “Stay,” Susan Fingerle,” “Past All The Stars,” “A.d.d” and “I Sleep With My Clothes On” are particularly striking and we can honestly say that this is a rare instance where everything simply “clicks.” This album is pure magic from start to finish and we think it will leave a lasting impression in your mind.

Marykate O’Neil is a versatile live performer who plays as both a solo artist and with her band, The Bohmas. She’ll be celebrating the release of her new CD with a month long residency every Thursday evening at The Living Room in NYC.

For more information, check out MaryKateONeil.com or RephlektorInk.com.