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Contributor Leah Ottman

On December 2, 2020 we lost our friend and local music fixture, Leah Ottman. Keston and I went back-and-forth on how to address this in this era of impersonal social media transactions. It’s still doesn’t totally feel right or in a weird way, even appropriate on this platform, but as we talked, our intention is to share a little bit of our personal interaction with Leah in the hopes of bringing peace and solace to those who knew her. This recording was centered around Leah and I preparing for a performance with the Merce Cunningham dance company at the Walker art center in 2017.

I was also able to spend some time with Leah on the road with rogue valley a number of times, as well as some shows with coloring time, and Leah’s improvisation series called Disco Nap. I always remember thinking, Leah is such a fun person to hang out with and also…where the hell is Leah, because of her tendency to just disappear for a bit.

Anyway, I have some very fond personal memories and a sad heart around what could’ve been, from this young and beautiful beautiful soul.

Much love to all who are mourning
Cody and Keston

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Leah Ottman (LOTT) Recordings

On March 22nd, 2017 Sound / Simulacra featured Leah Ottman aka LOTT. These recordings were captured by Dave Kunath during the second set and add John C.S. Keston on Rhodes / electronics and Cody McKinney on bass / electronics.

The core inspiration for LOTT’s compositions is the Romantic Period of classical music. The chordal structures, intervals, and melodies heard throughout her songs are reminiscent of those used by Antonin Dvorak, Alexander Borodin, Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, French Impressionist composer, Maurice Ravel, and then condensed into pop songs. She explores the range on her violin by utilizing a looping pedal and similar techniques employed by looping violinist pioneers, Andrew Bird, Kishi Bashi, and Owen Pallet.

LOTT has been likened to a modern day torch singer of indie music – both in her lyrical themes and vocal styling. She has been greatly influenced by Patsy Cline’s catalogue of songs about unrequited love and heartbreak.

LOTT was awarded “Best Vocalist” in 2016 and “Best Acoustic Performer” in City Pages Best Of the Twin Cities 2015.
“…With a looping pedal hooked up to her instrument, Ottman layers intricate melodies that combine classical beauty with an adventurous ear for contemporary experimentation not unlike Andrew Bird. Her voice, loaded with attitude and a penchant for flowing leaps, sweetens the deal…”