Nikki Up North: Fort Collins lesbian releases new album

The lead singer and rhythm guitar player for The Patti Fiasco, Alysia Kraft, is a warm, thoughtful and articulate person. Put Kraft on stage with her guitar and microphone, alongside the rest of the band members, and watch out. Kraft embodies a humble spirit and once she enters the stage with the rest of the band and there is an explosion of positive energy and entertaining musical melodies.

The band is holding its self-titled full-length album release party at 8 p.m. Thursday, June 30 at Avogadro’s Number in Fort Collins. Performing alongside The Patti Fiasco, is Austin based-band Lonesome Heroes. The Patti Fiasco will also be performing at 10:30 p.m. Friday, July 1 at the Greeley Stampede on the Big Country Stage.

Originally from Laramie, Wyo., the band now makes their home in and around Fort Collins (lucky us). Their five track album  No Bridges was named one of the top 10 Colorado albums by The Fort Collins Coloradoan newspaper in 2010. The Patti Fiasco was also named the 2010 Battle of the Bands winner by Scene Magazine.

I had the chance to sit down and talk with Kraft over a cup of coffee. She spoke about her musical inspirations, the responsibilities she feels as a lesbian and how being a part of the band has allowed her to embrace her sexuality.

What is special about being part of The Patti Fiasco?
I feel like The Patti Fiasco allowed me to be open about my sexuality. This was something that previously had been a struggle for me in Laramie. At the same timeI was quitting basketball, I announced to everyone that I was gay, and had been all along. This was a tough time in my life. When I started playing with The Patti Fiasco, I said this is me man, I’m going to rock out. The band was so supportive of me. It’s very special for me to perform at big public events where I get to be a voice in our community. The Fort Collins and northern Colorado LGBT community has been very supportive of the band.

Do you remember the first musician or band that inspired you and gave you the motivation to pursue a music career?
Yes, Patty Griffin’s 1996 album Living With Ghosts. This album had a big impact on me.

When did your passion for writing, playing and performing begin?
I was in college in Laramie, on a basketball scholarship, believe it or not. I made it to a couple of open mic nights at a local club. I had a ball singing and playing; the mold was cast.

Tell us about the new album.
We have 12 tracks on the album. It’s really exciting. Its a blend of our steadfast, true-blue Patti Fiasco songs we have been playing as well as new material that we feel is indicative of the direction of where the band is going. The album is all original material. We wanted the album to reflect the energy of the band when we perform live. We recorded it live in the studio. The full band played togetherwith only a bit of vocal and guitar over dubs.

Is there anything else you would like to share with OFC readers?
There is so much energy in the Fort Collins and northern Colorado community. It’s always a great party. We truly love to share the excitement and energy of our live shows with the audience.

For details about the band and their concert schedule visit: www.pattifiasco.com.