Few Things Will Pierce Your Heart More Than a Joanna Sternberg Song
Few things will pierce you in the heart more than a Joanna Sternberg song — especially at Cheer Up Charlie’s, when the venue experienced so many sound issues that the New York artist offered to sing without a mic. Sternberg was flustered, but overcame the obstacles with their Daniel Johnston-like melodies and brutally honest lyrics from their upcoming album I’ve Got Me and gems from 2019’s word-of-mouth favorite Then I Try Some More. “Practicing self-love is a habit that’s new,” they sang on a stool, wearing a shirt from their newly-signed label Fat Possum Records. And when they gave a shout out to Saint Patrick’s Day, they won the crowd over with their goofy charm. “I’m trying to be Irish, okay?” they said. “You have to picture Shane MacGowan singing. I’m a poser!” —A.M.