Cosmic yet down-to-earth alternative R&B duo
THEESatisfaction consist of Stasia "Stas" Irons and Catherine "Cat" Harris-White. The musicians met in Seattle -- their home base -- while attending the University of Washington. Beginning with 2008's That's Weird, their first of many whimsical self-released EPs and singles, the self-contained duo carried on the tradition of maverick jazz, soul, and rap artists from across several decades while affirming their place among the elder contemporary likes of
Erykah Badu,
Georgia Anne Muldrow, and
Sa-Ra. They weren't afraid to acknowledge their inspirations -- certain favorites were paid tribute through themed EPs -- yet they left a mark all their own, even before they followed fellow travelers
Shabazz Palaces and signed to Sub Pop. The Seattle-based label issued
THEESatisfaction's proper debut album,
Awe Naturale, in 2012, as well as
EarthEE in 2015. All the while, Irons and Harris-White developed Black Weirdo, a pro-Black weblog that developed into parties, a clothing line, and a means to promote like-minded talent. ~ Andy Kellman