Singer/songwriter Willa McCarthy has been building a fan base across the Hudson Valley for more than a decade. Before launching her own band, she was a member of the award-winning Chris O’Leary Band. McCarthy contributed vocals to O’Leary’s debut CD, Mr. Used to Be (2011 Blues Blast Magazine’s Best New Artist), his sophomore release, Waiting for the Phone to Ring and 4th CD, Gonna Die Trying. While she doesn’t yet have her own CD, it’s coming soon, so stay tuned.

McCarthy began her music career in New York City in the ’80s as a back up studio singer. Though classically trained, McCarthy’s true passion was found listening to (and singing along with) the soulful sounds of Stax, Chess, Muscle Shoals and Motown recording artists. She found her voice decades later as an outgrowth of those influences and the nurturing support–and nudging–of some very talented local frontmen, including O’Leary, Pete Hop, Andy Follette, and Chris Vitarello. Fans have described her performances as “powerful,” “soulful,” and “empowering.”