Press:

“The ‘fierce stage persona’ and poetic magic of Detroit’s award-winning Carolyn Striho…as a veteran artist with an expansive catalog of eclectic rock ’n’ roll songs, an armload of Detroit Music Awards, a new book of poetry and lyrics, and an engaged fan base, Striho embraces the variety and spontaneity of every show. her songs and her live shows steeped in diversity, from rock to Americana to classical music to pop to blues to jazz. John Sinkevics for Local Spins in Grand Rapids, Michigan June 13, 2025”
John Sinkevics - Local Spins

“Award-winning singer/songwriter, musician & poet Carolyn Striho brings rock energy with a passion for poetry and literature, with new songs and poetry, writing her entire life. She melds genres and combines a little bit of ferocity with tenderness, and a wide vocal range and heartfelt lyrics. She distills her music and resilience to communicate to the next generation. Jeff Milo, June 12, 2025, Ferndale, Michigan”
Jeff Milo - A Little Too Quiet/Ferndale Michigan

“A clear, wintry night sky evokes feelings of enchantment and the Detroit singer-songwriter captures that spellbinding sensation on her latest instrumental single, “Piano Moon.” Carolyn brings that symphonic piano to life alongside wistful cello, haunting electric guitar, and glistening percussion. She beautifully shares that sentiment and a longing to recapture it in another new single, “Blue Ridiculous Love,” written by Striho and Scott Dailey, which features poetic lyrics and heartfelt rock instrumentation. Striho not only captures that magical feeling thematically but sonically as well on the tracks. In "14 Miles of Bad Road," Dailey also captures that feeling sonically through the track’s bluesy, fiery guitar solo. It drives home the importance of overcoming obstacles in your path. – Lori Barnard Stratton, The Stratton Set List Ann Arbor Michigan, 2024”
Lori Stratton - Stratton Set List/Ann Arbor Pulp Magazine

“One of Striho’s most exquisite Detroit (Maiden Energy) pieces includes “Midnight Stars,” a haunting reflection of moving between life’s brightest and darkest moments while accepting the uncertainty of the road ahead. Striho beautifully recites, “Living in two when bright lights hurt/Bright sun blurts out a ribbon of resentment/I feel like I’ve got to run and get something to drink/Only not water/To shut down the sun that’s only good in the summer.””
Lori Barnard Stratton - Current Magazine, Ann Arbor, Michigan

"I truly adore this book, and not just because I'm the publisher," Buchanan says. "It contains the heart and soul of a songwriter, a Detroiter through and through, who experienced the ebb and flow of life in this great city. Carolyn has seen a lot and been through a lot, but her spirit soars."
Heather Buchanan - Aquarius Press (Metro Times-McFarlin)

“The award-winning singer and songwriter plays acoustic and electric rock and roll that is high-energy and poetic. Carolyn’s won handfuls of Detroit Music Awards throughout her career, which also includes many overseas tours. Striho, a breast cancer survivor herself, says “I Will Rise” is a message to keep going and to take care of yourself (and will be recorded soon). Melody Baetens, Detroit News”
Melody Baetens - Detroit News

“…”Aptly titled, and full of her deep ties to the city’s musical ethnography… Striho writes of the city’s people and places in intimate and critical ways full of magnificent imagery and the sensitivity of a proud local.””
Brian Gilmore, author of Come See About Me, Marvin & Elvis Presley is Alive and - Detroit Maiden Energy (back cover )

“Carolyn Striho is the personification of Detroit Rock energy, charisma, beauty and talent. On stage, she is a force of nature, but this collection of her poems and lyrics allows us to experience this dynamic artist in a more intimate and personal way. Carolyn Striho is long overdue for a book just like this!”
Ann Delisi, Host, Ann Delisi's Essential Music, WDET-FM - Ann Delisi/NPR Detroit, WDET-FM 101.9 for "Detroit (Maiden Energy)"

“Carolyn Striho’s verse and poetry allow readers rare insights: We can shiver or drink inside frigid Michigan winters, we can align with the overlooked and forsaken, we can see strange beauties where few others do, we can rock ’n’ roll in ways only Detroiters understand. The gifted Striho, who grew up a performer first, mixes cultures and tropes and music and literary disciplines with the grace of a Temptations harmony, all while her note-perfect words and lines shift beneath our feet, challenging us with head-spinning verve. This book is a rare song indeed.”
Brian Jabas Smith, Tucson Arizona Weekly and Metro Times - Brian Smith for "Detroit Maiden Energy"

“Detroit (Maiden Energy): Street Princess Poems & Lyrics, published in October by Detroit-based Aquarius Press, is a collection of singer-guitarist-pianist-songwriter Striho's original lyrics and haunting personal introspections, amassed over decades of challenging and captivating audiences here and overseas. Striho remains an aggressive, melodic, wildly sensual force of nature in concert Jim McFarlin, Metro Times, Hour Detroit”
Jim McFarlin - Metro Times

“Born for the stage Carolyn’s live gigs are intense, captivating and heart on sleeve affairs that mix soulful pop, punk and a dose of cabaret with her rock and classical influences...utterly compelling, we’re thrilled that we are finally able to bring her to the Island and she’ll get to experience that special Rhythmtree vibe." Pete Holden, Isle of Wight, England U.K.”
Rhythmtree Festival/Pete Holden - Isle of Wight, England, U.K. Rhythmtree News

“In her song lyrics and poetry, Carolyn Striho opens up her heart and her head, blending emotion and psyche into a brave and provocative look into herself and the world around her. Whether it’s direct or abstract, you get engrossed in her words without even thinking about it, taking the trip willingly and coming out the other side all the better for it.”
Gary Graff Billboard/New York Times Syndicate - Gary Graff for "Detroit (Maiden Energy)"

“…(Carolyn’s) torchy arrangements, beguiling voice, and shapeshifting skills on guitar and keys defy easy description, being colored by punk, folk, rock and roll, jazz, and blues. She's a legend, but she's not resting any time soon. Earthwork Harvest Gathering, September 2019”
Earthwork Harvest Gathering Festival - Earthwork Harvest Gathering

“Love the colour of your heartfelt voice, lovely intro on 'Cornered Room' great song! 'Let It Go' another favourite of mine, nice rapping, and love the gypsy feel on 'Russian Inn' beautiful violinist. Stunning album, love it”
Wouter Kellerman - Wouter Kellerman, composer

““Eclectic and avant-garde! “Afterthought” makes a bold and original statement from Carolyn as an artist, and why she has carved out a strong musical identity and loyal following!” Northstar Media, Detroit/Los Angeles”
Northstar Media - Northstar Media

““Afterthought” moves through a host of musical moods, from the moodier, darker vibe of the opening title track to exotic gypsy-rock feel of “Russian Inn” to the lively, driving sound of “Love Won’t Stay Close,” which you can hear exclusively for now in this Freep First Spin debut…” Brian McCollum, Detroit Free Press Music Editor, October, 2016.”
Brian McCollum - Detroit Free Press

““Striho continues to share her brilliance, effortlessly moving from bluesy and jazzy to belted out rock n’ roll. Her latest release, “Afterthought” showcases all of these styles, along with a few more that might surprise people. The musical poetry is undeniably Striho however, and she manages to pull everything together with the ease of a seasoned pro and the flair of a master illusionist. She makes her own creative path and people can’t help but follow where she leads…” Stacey Sherman – RSP Entertainment, Music Journalist, Digital First Media”
Stacey Sherman - RSP Entertainment

““The eclectic, alternative sound contains elements of Carolyn’s long history in the Detroit Punk, Alternative, Folk and Avant Garde scene. Carolyn, a multiple Detroit Music Award recipient (among other notable awards) has toured with Patti Smith and performed with many great acts like Iggy Pop, The Ramones, and Was not Was and has performed at many famous venues worldwide. Carolyn’s performance seduces the audience and engages them with her genuine emotion bringing all of us along for a wild ride.””
Gary McFarland - National Rock Review - National Rock Review

"Carolyn is a poetic songwriter who plays piano (sometimes with the heel of her boot) and acoustic guitar (with her fingers) while singing in a style that might be jazzy, bluesy, torchy, fiery or any combination of the above…strutting and growling and singing a version of "Downtown" that would have made Petula Clark feel like a tourist, she's worth tracking down!”
Neal Rubin - The Detroit News

“Word Attack is a true-to-form seven-track mini–album from Detroit’s rocker-turned-chanteuse. The title track has some driving guitar and sugary-pissed vocals, while “Always in my Heart” is an acoustic gem typical of contemporary Striho. Plus, “Enchante,” a staple of the live show for some time, is excellent.”
Brett Callwood - Metro Times

““Carolyn Striho is a singer/songwriter with a vibrant voice, passion and energy. Carolyn’s a very respected Detroit songwiter and amazing live performer. She’s been on tour and in the studio with Patti Smith, Steve Earle, Luis Resto (Eminem) and David McMurray (Kid Rock). She’s a truly exciting artista!” Go Girls Music 2014”
Madalyn Sklar - Go Girls Music

““Striho writes gorgeous psychedelic pop songs that come from the silver edge of midnight. Check her poetic "Necklace" where keyboards and guitars twine the lyric and its impressionist portrait that is as drenched in musical metaphor as it is lyrical. Her track "Breathing Space" is an aching anthem of poetry and longing…””
Thom Jurek - All Music Guide

“Carolyn is the epitome of a Detroit centric artist. Her work is flavored with both the hope and grit that makes up a Detroiter. She also has an interesting story to tell and her music is part of the soundtrack that gives the quality of both beautiful and haunting in its melody, much like her hometown.”
Mary Sommers, Chicago - Tough Luck - Stories of Detroit - New Film

“Winning Detroit Music Awards sends a clear message to Carolyn Striho that the music industry recognizes her creative genius & abilities..it was not the first time that she has been in the spotlight. She caught the ears of music fans in a big way fronting her band Detroit Energy Asylum & most of those musicians eventually became the core of the band Was Not Was, led by Don Was. We are that much richer for having a truly creative inspiration like Carolyn Striho. The recipient of several Detroit Music Awards including her 2010 win for Best Rock Album of the Year acknowledging her musical excellence for the album Honesty, the title song provides an accurate snapshot of Striho’s eclectic career with a languid slide guitar, turns very Punk like and at a couple of junctures slows down to a pretty Pop vocal. “Sing It To Me,” has Latin overtones and features beautiful guitar playing by Scott Dailey, while Rayse Biggs blows a good trumpet and percussionist Ron Wolf is solid!”
Joe Montague - Riveting Riffs, Toronto, Canada

“ "The punk rocker turned eclectic stylist has enough Detroit Music Awards [nominations] to build a house!"”
Concert of Colors publicity - www.concertofcolors.com

“Carolyn has collaborated with a slew of amazing musicians in the past, including punk legend Patti Smith, but she’s an amazing songwriter/singer/performer in her own right. Nothing exemplifies this more than her new video, “Sing it to Me,” a sultry, Spanish-sounding single with a film noir vibe that is slightly reminiscent of Madonna’s “Like a Prayer” video (minus the controversy). It was directed by Mark Kinnunen of Tears of Nimbus Films, and I’ve gotta say — it’s the best effin’ video of any local artist I’ve ever seen, no matter the scale of the artist’s fame.”
Stacy Lukasavitz - That damned redhead Michigan USA

“Carolyn made her name playing w/ bands Detroit Energy Asylum, Cubes & poet Patti Smith-but it's as a solo performer that she has really found her niche. Within this city’s music community, Striho is regarded as one of our best songwriters & her new album “Honesty” showcases that fact.Honest”
Free Press - MetroMix - Detroit Free Press

“Pair Stewart Francke and Carolyn Striho on the same bill, and you have two of the hardest-working singer-songwriters in Detroit — and they’re playing at the Magic Bag on Friday. Striho was in countless rock ’n’ roll bands, an unstoppable blonde music machine, before taking the solo route and never looking back. Meanwhile, Francke has a new album out, Love Implied, which sees the former MT writer at his most introspective. Jeff Scott completes a bill that sees three of the city’s finest songwriters coming together.”
Brett Callwood - Metro Times

“The Carolyn Striho Group Members: Carolyn Striho (vocals), Scott Dailey (guitar), Ron Wolf (percussion), Kurt Zimmermann (violin) A singer-songwriter who can sing beautifully and write a hell of a good song. Striho, a known musical commodity for years in these parts, is capable of hypnotizing her listeners as if she's some kinda siren raised on bars and factories and busted hearts. She'll likely have Royal Oak eating out of the palm of her hand by the middle of her set. —BC”
Detroit Metro Times

“translated from the Italian - "An energetic singer with a strong and free spirit, with a natural energy and interest in experimentation and improvisation, Carolyn was born in Detroit. and composes on piano and guitar, mixing jazz, soul and avant -garde compositions in her great writing””
Italian Rome Newspaper - La Luna in la Minore from Donne In Musica, Roma Press:

“Donne in jazz, apre Carolyn Striho Fino al 18/12 la rassegna alle Scuderie Aldobrandini di Frascati (ANSA) - ROMA, 4 NOV - Sara' il trio di Carolyn Striho ad aprire, domenica 6 novembre alle Scuderie Aldobrandini di Frascati, l'11/a edizione di 'Donne in Jazz', rassegna musicale al femminile promossa dalla Fondazione Adkins Chiti. La rassegna prevede una serie di concerti settimanali con prestigiosi nomi, dalla jazzwoman turca Selen Gulun, alla vocalist Antonella Vitale, a Cinzia Gizzi e Silvia Bolognese e al quintetto di Carmen Falato. ”
Spettacolo - La Gazzetta del Mezzogiorno.it

"Carolyn explodes as a front woman,recorded w/Eminem’s Steve King/Luis Resto, onstage w/Patti Smith, Tori Amos, in Europe..Striho plays keyboards w/fingers & her black boots..She’s authentic,that’s for sure, flings her leg up on the keyboard,a blend of Iggy Pop/Judy Garland–quite a ride”
Liz Hill - Strut Magazine Detroit

““Striho has been an irrepressible attraction on Detroit’s musical landscape, noted for her impassioned live sets. After years of experimenting, and eclectic shows in Detroit, Toronto and many shows in Osaka, Japan, Carolyn Striho has got it! her songs reveal the awareness of personal evolution.”
Jim McFarlin - Metro Times

“Warm and intoxicating,here's a singer who means it! Carolyn needn't have bothered naming her new album Honesty. should be apparent to anyone who listens to the lovingly constructed record there's barely a note played or sung that Striho doesn't mean! The best is "Sing It to Me" poetic & ambient.”
Brett Callwood - Metro Times

“The triumph of Carolyn Striho's CD "Honesty" as outstanding rock/pop recording at the 2010 Detroit Music Awards a couple months back highlights the city's current bumper crop of gifted female singer-songwriters. It is fitting that the award -- one of three she won that night --went to Striho, whose roots in Motor City music run deep.”
Ben Edmonds - Detroit Free Press/MOJO Magazine U.K.

“Once upon a time in a distant memory of Detroit in the glam-punk-rawkin'days, Carolynn Striho fronted a group called the Cubes, one of the best bands of its day. She's been doing it like an eternal teenage dream ever since, heading up the equally punchy Detroit Energy Asylum, and collaborating with Patti Smith (yes, that Patti Smith) and Vinne Dombrowski of Sponge. This Thursday, Aug. 5, Striho welcomes the multi-talented Troy Gregory (the Witches, the Stepsisters, Dirtbombs, Nathaniel Mayer) to a swingin' garden and patio party at the Whitney. The jams will be kicking out! The Whitney is at 4421 Woodward Avenue, in Midtown Detroit." Troy Gregory will be here to perform some great jams, too!”
Bud Liebler - The Whitney Detroit

““Is This Me?" is exceptionally good! The internationally renowned artist's voice is warm, rich,idiosyncratic & eccentric "Tiara" opens on violin, mournful,melodically beautiful "Ocean" is cool trippiness/chanting- Enchante" w/gypsies, tramps & thieves. Want more from the Motor City maven”
Bill Holdship - Metro Times

“Carolyn tuning Patti's guitar...at Borders Ann Arbor for the "Just Kids" Reading! (slideshow)”
Will Stewart - Ann Arbor Live

“Ralph Valdez, WDET-FM Detroit: “The music that she’s been doing has always had a great Detroit feel to it. Now something more is happening, there’s more hooks, a blend of hard Detroit sounds with more pop elements…””
Ralph Valdez - WDET-FM radio and Concert of Colors USA