Our Pittsburgh Artist of the Week is Skye Burkett. Skye is a friend to bugs. The Pittsburgh-based indie folk artist found her new song “Bugs and Honey” while reconnecting with nature one evening last year.
Skye recently spoke with WYEP's Joey Spehar.
What’s your musical history up to this point?
The earliest memories I can recall is singing with my mom! I grew up in a family of singers and I believe this heavily contributed to my gravitation towards music. I remember being very small and sitting down with my grandma while she taught me songs on her piano. There was a song in particular, (we called it the woodpecker song) and it was the first song that required hand independence. My mind was blown, and I started teaching myself how to play from then on.
I spent a lot of time early on in my musical journey, writing songs with my best friend Torrance and performing them for whoever would listen. It wasn’t until late in high school, that I began taking songwriting more seriously. I entered myself into multiple songwriter contests, (shoutout to WYEP Reimagination project). I started to fall in love with writing. I noticed I could never force it, it had to flow to me. I heavily relied on my writing as a way to process what I was feeling. It’s like a best friend that is only emotionally available as much as I am willing to be. Lol.
I began studying Music Therapy at Seton Hill University in 2020. It was here where I learned how to overcome my anxiety as a performer. I studied classical voice where I started to recognize my voice as an instrument. During school, I gigged as often as possible. This consistency has opened my eyes to the value of hard work and the power of authenticity. I’m so grateful for all of the beautiful connections I have made so far.
I am so excited to finally release my music! I am currently focusing on recording, performing, and preparing for my internship where I will be practicing music therapy in a cancer center.
How do you describe your sound?
I’d say Indie folk/pop and singer/songwriter vibes. I am influenced by any music that can hit me on a soulful level. Lyrically, I strive to write from a vulnerable and authentic place. In doing so, I hope to inspire listeners to FEEL their feelings, whether that be crying or dancing!
Tell us more about the song "Bugs and Honey." What inspired you to write it and what does it mean to you?
I actually wrote “Bugs and Honey” in 2023. Connecting to nature often sparks inspiration for me, so I took my guitar outside one evening. I couldn’t help but notice the cicadas and crickets chirping away. This sound can be overwhelming, but yet so soothing. It seemed to resemble my internal “chatter.” I believe that nature has the ability to guide us, and maybe, just maybe if we listen, we may gain a deeper understanding of ourselves.
(The background bug sounds in the song I recorded on a voice memo from my yard.)
What was the first album that really changed your life?
Oooo this is difficult… but I would probably have to say Magical Mystery Tour by The Beatles. As a 10-year-old I was infatuated with The Beatles. I remember listening to “The Fool on the Hill” on repeat. I didn’t know at the time, but I was captivated by their crazy instrumentation, and peculiar but heartfelt lyrics. I think I will always credit them for helping influence my writing style.
Who are some other Pittsburgh artists you think more people should listen to?
I’ve been super fortunate to meet and listen to many great Pittsburgh artists. I am blessed to have found such a beautiful and welcoming songwriter community in the city.
Too many... but to mention a few:
Julia Norah (who mixed my single), Mirabelle Skipworth, Cody Piper, Tucker Muetzel, Jennica Tamler, Vida Chai, Lenni Green. Over the past year, they have really inspired me with their music and also continue to challenge me as a writer!
Any other super interesting things about you we should know?
I don’t kill any bugs. I like to juggle and hula hoop. I quit my college volleyball career for music, and I also backpacked through all of Italy this summer.
