PK Tessmann is a fixture in the Vancouver Island indie-folk community. Her well-crafted, original songs are something of substance - a synergy of flowing lyrics, whispered harmonies, twinkling ukelele and acoustic guitar, and her bold, multi-faceted voice.
With over 18 years of songwriting and performance behind her, Tessmann is celebrating the release of her brand new album Dear City This fall (2016). Two-time winner of Best Roots/Folk Recording at the Vancouver Island Music Awards, Tessmann's work has been described as “beguiling,” “potent, ” and “unpretentious”. Her latest work is no exception.
Dear City is a collection of songs that offer a window into Tessmann's journey into marriage and motherhood. With each haunting song, she offers up her experiences of grief, love, hope, loss, birth and new beginnings. Produced by Corwin Fox (Shane Koyczan, CR Avery, Emily Millard) in the vibrant Village of Cumberland BC, Dear City showcases Tessmann's commanding voice with colourful yet subtle instrumentation. Vintage keys, bells, autoharp, cello, French horn and saxophone combined with whispered harmonies to compliment Tessmann's spirited vocals.
An alumni of the Capilano College Jazz program in Vancouver BC, PK Tessmann has released 2 previous records, including full-length album Maybe (2006), PK Tessmann EP (2013) and has contributed to many compilation albums. In addition to her two recent VIMA awards, she has garnered further VIMA nominations for Vocalist of the Year, Song of the Year and Video of the Year, and she recently took home the title of Regional Champion in the 2015 CBC Searchlight Contest. In 2016, she was listed in the contest as a Top 20 in the Top of the Pops category.
Tessmann has toured the province extensively with bands including her folk duo Little Bridges, as well as on her own. She has played on stages of multiple music festivals around Vancouver Island as well as the lower mainland.
