moriah bailey

“i tried words” is held together by words, their limits, their potential, their weight. The album is in part a reflection on being taught that it is impolite to say no and/or moments when Moriah Bailey said no and her no was violated. The album sits with the experience of speaking and not being heard, experiences of abuse, and how those experiences influence relationships with the self, with romantic partners, with friends, with jobs. The album explores these themes through an intimate narrative of losing oneself in a relationship and struggling to find a way out. The album ends with a triumphant goodbye in “Not Staying.” She sings: “I contorted my body and stretched myself thin to form a bridge between now and when. So, as I’m gathering my strength to say goodbye, please quit saying I should’ve tried.”

“…a well-crafted set of experimental chamber-folk with an intimate, often shapeshifting sound combining her often-treated harp, guitar, violin and more with her breathy vocals and lyrics revolving around language and relationships.” - KEXP

“Sitting with sounds…” was released under Moriah Bailey’s former moniker, sun riah. The album was inspired by the house and small town in rural Oklahoma where Moriah Bailey’s grandparents lived. Featuring only harp, effects pedals, and vocals, Paste Magazine has described the album as “showcasing masterful minimalism and operatic vocals…” The album attempts to capture the life of the house, but also, changing relationships to place that come with loss and time.

“On the surface, it is an ode to her childhood home and the grandparents that once lived there. Within that framework, though, is a meditative study on the ever-changing relationships between memories, living spaces and time itself. “ – Evan Jarvicks, The Oklahoman