Itasca

Itasca is the project of Los Angeles-based musician Kayla Cohen, whose work represents a sophisticated evolution of the singer-songwriter tradition. Emerging from the New York underground before relocating to the West Coast, Cohen's sound identity is built upon virtuosic fingerstyle guitar and a 'baroque folk' aesthetic.

Her career arc shows a steady progression from the raw, intimate recordings of 'Unmoored by the Wind' to the more expansive, full-band arrangements seen on 'Imitation of War'. Culturally, she occupies a space alongside artists like Myriam Gendron and The Innocence Mission, bridging the gap between traditional Americana and avant-garde folk. Critical consensus highlights her ability to evoke the 'Ladies of the Canyon' era while maintaining a contemporary, slightly surreal edge. Her music is often praised for its technical precision and its ability to capture the specific atmospheric qualities of the California landscape, making her a key figure in the modern psychedelic folk scene.