Press
Belles and Gals
“To say I was completely taken by her performance would be an understatement – she absolutely brought the house down. Vocally, she shifted effortlessly between powerful, electric country anthems and quiet ballads, showcasing the full breadth of her repertoire. This, coupled with a stage presence that was both dominant yet intimate, I came away even more impressed with her as a complete artist and was finally able to arrange some time to ask her about her work.” - Nick Cantwell https://www.bellesandgals.com/2019/03/18/interview-with-kari-arnett/
Wisconsin Public Radio
The album is a collection of personal reflections on her life at the time she wrote the songs, Arnett said, balancing hope and challenge.
"It's filled with a lot of hopefulness, I guess, wading through the darkness — what happens to you after the dust settles in your life," she said.
Arnett’s band shows off a warm but tight Americana sound on songs that portray the balance in life, from the title track, "When the Dust Settles," to the tone-setting "Dark Water" that leads off the disc.
https://www.wpr.org/singer-songwriter-kari-arnett-making-music-magical
Elmore Magazine
While Arnett offers mellow, gentle, country-inflected tunes, she is the essence of the Americana genre. Hers are lonesome, often melancholy melodies leaning more toward folk but given a whispering country feel with instrumentation that includes fiddle and pedal steel. She comes across honestly and authentically with a sense of confidence that belies a debut. The music is comfortably warm and often the lyrics are anything but. Her themes are the usual ones: love, heartbreak, and heartland struggle of daily life. Many are personal, but songs like “Blood and Bones,” “This American Life” and “Tired of This Town” are pitched as referendums on the state of the country and its eroding values. - Jim Hynes
http://www.elmoremagazine.com/2019/03/reviews/albums/kari-arnett
Rolling Stone
10 Best Country and Americana Songs of the Week - “This American Life - Kari Arnett” - Rolling Stone
https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-country/best-country-songs-tucker-beathard-dolly-parton-761899/
Women Holding Strong at the Cedar Cultural Center
“I am a sucker for a strong voice belting out a twangy-angry anthem, especially on women’s rights. So hearing Kari Arnett sing Only a Woman at the Cedar on Thursday was a highlight. She wrote the song in reaction to how some men talk to women in the music industry – and get away with it. It’s unfortunately both a timely and timeless theme. I loved the music as well –“ - Ann Treacy
https://mostlyminnesota.com/2018/09/21/women-holding-strong-at-kari-arnetts-cd-release-at-the-cedar-cultural-center/
Interview with the Cedar Cultural Center (MN)
https://www.thecedar.org/news-articles/2018/04/12/a-conversation-with-up-and-coming-local-folk-singer-kari-arnett
Americana Highways
“Her new song “Only a Woman” directly echoes the sentiments made by Cash in her acceptance remarks about equality for women.”
https://americanahighways.org/2018/09/17/americanas-night-to-remember/
Americana Highways
“Perhaps no one song better defined 2018 than Kari Arnett’s “Only a Woman” and that’s why it’s my choice for Song of The Year. The Wisconsin-born Arnett assembled a group of Minneapolis musicians to record her debut album. When The Dust Settles is a remarkable set of personal songs that rise to a moral referendum on the state of the country and its soul and character.” - Steve Wosahla
https://americanahighways.org/2018/12/23/and-in-2018-nevertheless-we-persisted/
Farce the Music
DEC 27, 2018
Farce the Music's Top Songs of 2018 (#11-30) - Kari Arnett - Once More Chance
http://www.farcethemusic.com/2018/12/farce-musics-top-songs-of-2018-11-30.html
Americana - Rick Shide
When The Dust Settles is full of quality songwriting and has a rich roots sound which suggests her spirit is already haunting the hallowed streets of Music City. There’s also real resilience and grit in the wise heart of this album.
https://rickdog-americana.rssing.com/chan-39993340/article13839.html
The Alternate Root
“Waking up from a dream, our #1 track this week looks out over a land of broken promises wondering who will save us in “The American Life”. Kari Arnett is singing the song and though there is no solution, Kari answers the question by admitting she is still on board with her beliefs in the Land of the Free and is ready to fight for our freedom.” - Danny McCloskey
#1 track - This American Life week of October 17, 2018 - http://www.thealternateroot.com/reviewarchives/kari-arnett
Press from Highway Queens
“Her debut album When The Dust Settles is full of quality songwriting and has a rich roots sound which suggests her spirit is already haunting the hallowed streets of Music City. There’s also real resilience and grit in the wise heart of this album.” -Michelle Lindsey
https://highwayqueens.com/2018/09/22/album-review-kari-arnett-when-the-dust-settles/
The Bluegrass Situation 5+5
https://thebluegrasssituation.com/read/bgs-55-kari-arnett/
No Depression
“When Arnett emerged with her debut EP Midwestern Skyline, she created an intriguing set of songs that defined time and geographic place. Now out of personal turmoil, Arnett has written an edgy album that frames her personal life changes in the context of the tense goings-on in the country.
It begins with the moody and ominous trepidation of “Dark Water” and addresses the soul of the country in “This American Life.” Arnett zeroes in on the dream we’re brought up to believe but the broken promises and inequalities we later learn. Arnett concludes “I’m still believing in this American life” with a weariness that sums up the anxiety of our times. It feels like a state of the union.” - Steve Wosahla
https://www.nodepression.com/kari-arnetts-state-of-the-union/
Interview with The Daily Country
“Singer-songwriter Kari Arnett's new album, When The Dust Settles, showcases her affinity for lonesome melodies, a vulnerable grit, and an authentic lyricism, that articulates the love, pain, and the struggle of the American Life. Together with her full band they created a raw sound, from warm, vintage acoustics to a retro, cinematic feel making When The Dust Settles a collection of deeply personal songs with universal appeal. Here, Arnett answers her Essential 8 and talks about the album, songwriting, Netflix, The Ryman, and much more!” https://thedailycountry.com/interviewsessential-8/essential-8-kari-arnett
Press from City Pages (Minneapolis)
“When the Dust Settles is an album that wraps a warm but worried pair of arms around your thoughts. Arnett writes about relationships—with others, but also with herself. “ - Youa Vang *
*City Pages is a now defunct publication that was shut down by Star Tribune.
Album Review from Americana Highways
"Arnett has a beautiful and powerful voice that fills a room one moment and then sounds like she’s having an intimate conversation with you in another. The musicality of the band accentuates Arnett’s diversity of emotions." - Steve Wosahla
https://americanahighways.org/2018/09/07/kari-arnetts-state-of-the-union/
Song Premiere for 'Only a Woman' from Wide Open Country
"Arnett rails against society’s double standards and the music industry’s condescension to women." - Rachel Cholst
https://www.wideopencountry.com/kari-arnett-only-a-woman-premiere/
Album Review from No Depression
"there’s no question her songwriting is fueled with a Middle America spirit – there’s no dross or added fat on these songs and the laser focus Arnett brings to her art sets her apart from many peers and contemporaries."
http://nodepression.com/album-review/kari-arnetts-first-full-length-studio-album
Bill DeVille - DJ & Host of The United States of Americana 89.3 FM The Current (Minneapolis, MN)
“Kari Arnett is one of the hardest working Americana artists in the Twin Cities scene. There is some sharp songwriting on this touching batch of songs. When the Dust Settles is her best yet!”
Rift Magazine - (Minneapolis, MN)
"Kari Arnett has moved here all the way from rural south central Wisconsin to pursue a career in music and has done a good job acclimating herself to that scene.
Her fans came through and got her into the top five of Rift Magazine’s 100 Days of Local music. I can see why they like her and her sound. It’s smooth and easy to listen to, with stories and hooks. Closer to the country side of “Alt” country, Arnett has honed her craft." - Rich Horton
http://riftmagazine.com/2017/07/20/interview-kari-Arnett/
La Crosse Tribune - (La Crosse, WI)
"She has that kind of voice, with the range and command it takes to summon deep, sometimes dark emotions." - Randy Erickson
https://lacrossetribune.com/entertainment/kari-arnett-to-bring-her-country-folk-vignettes-to-charmant/article_a8697f61-898d-51f6-877a-d721367de565.html
Twin Cities Media - (Minneapolis, MN)
"Out of Arnett flows some of the most chillingly beautiful vocals. Watching Arnett last night I was reminded of early Stevie Nicks mixed with a twinge of Dolly Parton. Arnett’s heartfelt lyrics are ones that stop you in your tracks; she sings with a presence that commands attention." - Jessica Boldt
http://twincitiesmedia.net/blog/frazey-ford-and-kari-arnett-charm-the-cedar/
The Alternate Root - (Palm Springs, CA)
"Melancholy is an ever-present force in the voice of Kari Arnett. Backed with the ethereal melodies of Americana, Kari Arnett uses the space in between the notes as a secret ingredient in the songs she collects as Midwestern Skyline, her recent E.P. release." - Danny McCloskey
https://www.thealternateroot.com/rack-1/5832-ka-ms
The Next Gig - (Netherlands, EU)
" The skyrocketing talent is already making serious headway and is increasingly appreciated in the United States. Whoever listens to 'Midwestern Skyline' will certainly hear the potential of this singer. " - Richard Wagenaar
http://thenextgig.weebly.com/albums.html
DEZ MUSIC BLOG - (Minneapolis, MN)
" Her soft vocals and the light tone of her guitar that makes the listener able to immerse themselves into the album fully and take it all in. It’s a classic story of love, loss, heartbreak and trying to fill the spaces in-between that is so relatable, and that makes the listener want more..." - Desney Cody Rift Magazine
https://dezmusicblog.wordpress.com/2016/11/08/kari-arnett-midwestern-skyline/
Revival Music Magazine - (Los Angeles, CA)
" It’s exciting when a new voice emerges that feels like it is meant to soon become one of your standards. Even more so when that voice sits on a foundation of strong songwriting and storytelling." - Shana RMM
http://www.revivalmusicmag.com/2016/06/21/quickfire-qa-with-kari-arnett/
Roots Revival - (Belgium, EU )
" For us, for sure, Kari Arnett is a new face on the Americana music scene. Midwestern Skyline is a perfect 7 song album which gives you a great feeling about what Americana music should sound like. 10/10" - Raymond Swennen
http://rootsrevival.webklik.nl/page/cdreview
Minnexplore: Minnesota Culture and Stories (MN)
"Her voice is the star attraction here. Flexible and expressive, it’s somehow ethereal and robust at the same time. Listen to “Concrete and Honey” and you’ll see what I mean. (If you’re looking for specific comparisons: Deanna Carter might have sounded like this had she chosen folk over country.)" - Christi Mastley
https://minnexplore.wordpress.com/2016/04/10/kari-arnett-midwestern-skyline-review/
Local Sounds Magazine (Madison, WI)
"Arnett’s music is rooted in Loretta Lynn country but there’s much more to it than that. The emotional depth of her storytelling is matched by the elegance of the melodies and the power of her voice, a sound full of mournfulness and life experience that will speak to your soul." - Rick Tvedt
http://magazine.localsounds.org/2015/10/08/kari-arnett-midwestern-skyline/
Baraboo News Republic (Baraboo, WI)
"Her sound has evolved from pop to incorporate southern rock and country influences. Arnett’s brand of Americana music draws comparisons to Emmylou Harris, Stevie Nicks and Joni Mitchell." - Ben Bromley
http://www.wiscnews.com/baraboonewsrepublic/news/local/article_d00500ac-11a5-53e6-bdf3-0fc36f50f9b2.html
American Songwriter Magazine (Nashville, TN)
Kari Arnett has been featured by American Songwriter as a Daily Discovery. (2015)
http://americansongwriter.com/2015/10/daily-discovery-kari-arnett-heavy-heart/
Daytrotter (Rock Island, IL)
Sean Moeller's Picks from Daytrotter mentioning Kari Arnett as a Discovery.
http://www.pastemagazine.com/articles/2015/07/straight-from-the-horses-mouth-sean-moellers-daytr-42.html
Brava Magazine (Madison, WI)
"Arnett known for her provocative lyrics and catchy melodies, capture crowds with her striking voice and mixed pop and folk-rock musical stylings."
http://read.dmtmag.com/i/205284-november-2013/95
