When we last caught up with Valerie Lighthart back in late spring, the multi-talented Milwaukee musician, model, and photographer was preparing to release an EP entitled PT I: THE GODDESS. Since releasing that collection of songs—the first part of her “By Moonlight” series—on June 18, Lighthart had a full-fledged release show at Cactus Club, performed at Summerfest, and has been hard at work on the sonic series’ second installment.
That creative continuation, a four-song EP called pt. ii: the witch, will officially see the light of day when Lighthart heads up “an evening of wickedness and excitement at The Cooperage called The Blood Bash” on Thursday, October 21.
According to Lighthart, this latest EP utilizes folklore as a tool to address autonomy, fantasy, power, escapism, and other themes. “The four tracks are the soundscape of the character ‘the witch,'” Lighthart says of the forthcoming release. “She floats in from another realm like a phantom, bringing an eerie and unnerving magic with her.”
That eerie and unnerving magic is showcased on “Burn The Witch,” the EP’s lead single and a spellbinding gateway to the release’s blend of delicate vocals and stripped-down acoustic instrumentation that, together, help unlock a portal to a dark and ominous world.
“The Blood Bash” will double as the pt. ii: the witch release show. To mark the occasion, Lighthart has assembled what she calls “a femme-packed lineup” that consists of herself, You Win !!!, LaFond, and DJ Shawna. In addition to the music, Blood Bash serve as the premiere of Lighthart’s “Burn The Witch” music video. The event will also feature vendors like Astral by Zed, Funk 2 Fashion by Kyn, and Vedic Botanicals on-site. There will be tarot readings by Tarot D’Amore and a photo booth courtesy of Carnegie Imagery. Costumes are encouraged.