Kate Stephenson + Lighthearted

lighthearted is a dynamic indie-folk band from Athens, Georgia, fronted by identical twin sisters Gracie Huffman & Eliza Lemmon. Formed in 2019, the band draws from the deep wells of folk traditions and contemporary indie influences. They write the type of hushed, kaleidoscopic songs that appeal to anyone that takes to gorgeous harmonies and plumbing the depths of human nature (Ethan Fogus, Immersive Atlanta). Drawing inspiration from classic folk artists like Fleetwood Mac and Joni Mitchell, as well as modern indie-folk innovators such as Fleet Foxes and Bon Iver, their sound is characterized by lush arrangements, harmonious vocals, and lyrics that explore themes of love, loss, and the beauty of the natural world. They first released their EP “Asking for a Friend” (2020) in the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. It might have been exactly what people needed, because the lead single, “This Old Car” has accumulated over 2.1 million streams on Spotify alone since its release. They released their debut album, “from here on out,” in 2023, which contains even more lyrical depth and emotional resonance. Upon its release, the title track off the record was added to Spotify editorial playlists Fresh Finds Indie, Fresh Finds, and Fresh Finds Folk. These playlists rotate songs out, but the editors also curated a Fresh Finds: Class of 2023 playlist, on which lighthearted earned a permanent spot. This song has over 1.1 million streams on Spotify alone. Their second album is in the works, which showcases more of the band’s evolving sound and musical maturity. They have played to crowds across the country, both for crowds of their own and opening for acts such as hey, nothing, Johnnyswim, Hans Williams, Briscoe, Sarah Kinsley, Family and Friends, among others. lighthearted is committed to creating heartfelt and poignant music. With each new release, they aim to embody their name, blending their influences to create music that is easy to listen to and rich with meaning., It’s kind of unbelievable. A gentle voice, a dagger for a pen. Kate Stephenson has found a way to offer this balance at once. Songs that hurt to relate to, but offer a lifeline if you do. Breaking free of genre’s limitations, Stephenson shares these blistering stories with stunning arrangements that dare to take on different shapes every time. Her unforgettable writing is the through line, finding the right sounds to express it all is her magic. From intimate, acoustic, profound songs like ‘Shoving’ to the full-band-get-up-and-dance ‘Summerfoot’, she can do it all. Living in Nashville, she’s finding her ever-changing sound, moving closer and closer every day. Oh, and she’ll wipe the floor with you at the bowling alley.