Ester
Indie-folk and the journey to self actualization.
With a rotating lineup, yet consistent clean, calming sounds, five piece group Ester creates honest and raw compositions. Lead member Anna Holmquist brings a soulful harmony-driven approach to their writing, paying homage to their past as a singer of the church and choir member. Having bounced around the industry as an intern at The Empty Bottle, booking agent at Beloit College’s C-Haus, and music blogger, Anna was destined for success as a creative in the city. After moving to Chicago from northern Wisconsin, Anna quickly took to the city’s DIY music scene, meeting friends and future collaborators at every show. From the stage of Pitchfork, to Pride Festivals, to The Hideout, Anna truly embodies the nature of Chicago’s collaborative community. Since moving to the city, Anna has gone on to play with a variety of musicians and bands including The Curls.
After jamming casually as friends, Ester officially formed in the fall of 2017. Anna describes the band as having come together with the same “intuitive sense” as songwriters and collaborators. Core members Katelyn Cohen, Chris Colson, Raul Cotaquispe, and Chris Harris bring all different influences and skills to the writing process. Though everyone brings their parts to the table, Anna paves the way for each composition with their guitar parts and lyrics. The band’s most recent LP Turn Around was released this past March as an exciting culmination of the band’s growth thus far on their journey.
Turn Around, in Anna’s eyes, is written primarily about big life changes- looking back at the past to “inform the future.” It’s all about “tracking growth, being gentle with your past self.” The narratives of self-discovery and reflection seem to resonate with listeners of all genres, and Ester is no different. Anna’s relatable yet personal lyrics, paired with the gentle sounds of guitar and laid back drums become the perfect backing track to a period of introspection, “self actualization, the process of becoming.”
With another full band album on the way, and some solo work coming from Anna, Ester’s journey as a band is just beginning. In addition to their work with Ester, Anna hosts Bad Songwriter Podcast- a place to unpack artists’ first songs and how they evolved into the musicians they are now. With guests ranging from Chicago’s NNAMDÏ, Macie Stewart from Ohmme, and Miranda Winters of Melkbelly, this podcast offers a fun way to get to know your favorite artists a little better- available on all streaming services now.
Considering Anna’s drive as a musician, and the melting pot of creative minds involved in Ester, I’d expect more big things from them in the near future. Stay tuned for Anna’s solo project coming soon, and stream Ester’s Turn Around in the meantime!