Kacey Johansing finds a creative community in S.F.

Kacey Johansing performs her soulful folk music with a little help from her friends. "I happen to be a part of an incredibly talented and diverse community," she says.

Johansing has played with the Blank Tapes and Honey.Moon.Tree, among others. Currently, she says, she splits her creative energy between Honeycomb and her own project. She says she finds inspiration in her friends - noting that "their songs are often trapped in my head and sung out loud, while carrying out various daily activities" - as well as Joanna Newsom, Beach House and Neil Young, all sounds that can be heard in Johansing's compositions.

Johansing says she is working on her second album, which is due for release in May. After that, she plans to pack up her Blue Bird school bus and tour throughout the summer and fall - so catch her singing while she's still in the city.

Lineup: Kacey Johansing, electric guitar, vocals; Jeremy Harris, electric guitar, assistant magician, conductor; Robert Shelton, keys, energy ball master; Andrew Maguire, vibes, ethereal sound crafter; James Riotto, bass, beautiful lips; Ezra Lipp, drums, choreographer, team leader.

Who are some other non-musical influences?

My sweet buddies of the film collective known as Encyclopedia Pictura. Their accomplishments are passionate reminders of the limitless potential of creativity, DIY approaches and group collaboration. Although I could hardly call them non-musicians, their work has been a huge influence on contemporary music and film.

How would you describe your sound to someone who'd never heard you before?

Like a dance party under the sea. ... Have you ever seen "Bedknobs and Broomsticks"?

What has been your most exciting moment as a musician?

The moment I realized that I had found my creative community in San Francisco after so many years searching for it. ... It felt as though we were all pulled together by a giant magnet. Since then we have been a family, supporting one another as only a family can do.

What are five essential components for any singer-songwriter?

Patience, openness, solitude, courage, acceptance.

What is your favorite music moment in film?

I have recently become re-obsessed with "West Side Story." It was one of my favorite movies as a child and certainly shaped me as a young musician.

Check it out: www.kaceyjohansing.com, links.sfgate.com/ZKTY.

Next gig: 9 tonight. $7. With Rad Cloud and Sparrows Gate. Amnesia Bar, 853 Valencia St., S.F. www.amnesiathebar.com.

SFGate.com: Check out Bandwidth's Web page. Share local show or band photos and videos, start writing a blog and more: sfgate.com/bayareabandwidth

- Michelle Broder Van Dyke, bandwidth@sfchronicle.com

This article appeared on page G - 4 of the San Francisco Chronicle