Quinn Tsan Steps Out As A Solo Artist On Enchanting New EP

By Katie Karpowicz in Arts & Entertainment on Nov 13, 2014 5:00PM

Photo courtesy of NoVo Publicity

Any time a well-known artist's backup singer or frequent studio collaborator steps out on their own solo journey, it's easy to assume his or her own sound will not veer far from the music you've already heard them play a smaller part in.

As fans of Joe Pug, this is actually what we sort of hoped for with Tsan's debut solo EP Good Winter. What she gives listeners with these six tracks is actually different but not disappointing.

The Minnesota transplant moved to Chicago in 2008 and began doing supporting vocals for Pug soon after. She bounced around as a backing vocalist for various acts on the city's live scene for several more years and is now clearly ready to be at the forefront of the stage.

Good Winter possesses the same folk music backbone as her former collaborator Pug's does but with less of a twang. The EP kicks off with a biting electric blues track ("Sadie"), introduces its signature acoustic guitar sounds on the fierce "Mistress Song" and then eases up, exposing Tsan's softer side as it progresses. Her voice is as balanced as a honey flavored whiskey throughout. As far as diversity goes, it's a wholly successful product, especially for a debut release.

Hear the new songs live tomorrow night when Tsan performs at Constellation. Tickets are just $10 and you only have to be 18 to get in.