Merrie Amsterburg

Boston singer/songwriter Merrie Amsterburg began her musical career as the singer and guitarist for the late-'80s early-'90s band the Natives, who were nearly signed by KISS' Gene Simmons, and recorded tracks with Blondie producer Richard Gottehrer. Unfortunately, both projects were unsuccessful — Simmons' label wasn't ready in time to offer the band a good distribution deal, and the Gottehrer sessions were never released; soon after, the band broke up. Amsterburg's frustrated career as a rock & roller led her to a more fulfilling one as a singer/songwriter; she expanded her style to include folk, jazz, and world music elements, as well as more personal lyrics. Her 1996 solo debut Season of Rain came out on Q-Division records, the namesake label of the studio where it was recorded, and where other Boston artists like Aimee Mann and Jennifer Trynin have laid tracks. 1999 saw the album's re-release on Zoe/Rounder Records, as well as the release of an EP, A World of Our Own Making. Little Steps followed in mid-2000.