Kate's music has been likened to that of Bjork, Joni Mitchell, and Fiona Apple. Her songs have a similar jazzy-soul feel and progression to them. However, Earl's influences also trace back to her late father's old warped wartime records. (Her song "Sweet Sixteen" seemingly incorporates a sample of one, cleverly used as a background instrument.) In this respect, she is more of a "throwback" artist.
Comparisons to her Alaskan musical predecessor, Jewel, are inevitable. However, Kate's sound is arguably more grounded, mature, and substantial - both lyrically and musically. Her vocal abilities also stand out. As evidenced by such tracks as "Someone To Love" and "Hero", they are sweet and soothing one minute, yet fiery and powerful the next.
Kate's parents owned and operated a gas station in Chugiak, where she also worked. Thus, she became known as "the girl who lives in a gas station." During this time, Kate discovered music as a means of escaping her dreary, cold surroundings. Earl moved to Los Angeles in 2004 to pursue her dream of being a musician. Within six months, she was signed by The Record Collection. Much of Fate is the Hunter is inspired by Earl's late father, who died a year and a half before she left home.
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