There’s a lot going on with Kim Archer Band these days, and from the looks of things the sky’s the limit for this popular four-piece quartet. June is packed with Kim Archer Band shows, giving fans old and new much opportunity to see this gifted performer live, the best way to enjoy Archer’s signature blend of old school soul and funk, classic rock, sultry blues and ballads.

Perhaps one of the most exciting developments for the band is Archer’s recent signing on with local label Maurice the Fish Records. Known for its high-quality artists and killer live shows, Maurice the Fish encompasses a stable of artists of various genres into one big family of ambitious musicians helping each other to succeed.

“We’re growing together,” Archer said in a recent interview at one of her favorite hangouts, The Tempest Lounge. “We’re all trying to be the best we can be and that’s exciting for me.”

Archer said the beauty of Maurice the Fish Records is that its artists maintain their autonomy. “We’ve still got the freedom to do what we want to do as a group. That’s one of the things I like about being with Maurice the Fish - they’re professional people there for guidance and resources. I’ve been really lucky to be asked to be a part of that.”

Archer said she still books her own shows because she likes making that contact herself, but much of the ongoing business work it takes to promote herself as a musician has been lifted from her thanks to the staff at the label.

“I’m always torn between running my business and being creative. Being with the label has really allowed me to delegate some of the administrative stuff so I’m having a lot more time to write and practice and be a musician instead of just a business person who plays music. That’s going to be a big difference for me as an artist this next year.”

She’s now freer to focus more on developing her music, which means a new CD coming soon. “We’re thinking that around September or October we should have it done. I’ve been trying to release a CD with my full band for about three years now, and now the timing is there and all the stars are aligning right to make that happen.”

Kim Archer Band includes her original drummer Chris Tussing; Motown musician and Wheedle’s Grove bandmate Herman Brown on guitar; Gerome “J Bones” Gates on bass; and Archer on acoustic guitar and vocals. All of these musicians have been with Archer for a while, and she’s pleased to have them together with her onstage at this time when her career is definitely moving onward and upward.

Not just her fans are cheering her on; her professional peers are, too. Washington Blues Society nominated her for “Best Female Blues Singer 2010.”

Archer said, “I was so humbled to be recognized by the organization and honored to be recognized alongside such great artists as Stacy Jones, Cee Cee James and Mary McPage.”

She said found out she had been nominated when she was playing at the Music on the Mountain benefit this past April in Mineral, Wash.

“I stood there like a deer in headlights,” she laughed. Stacey Jones won the award, and she and Archer will be doing a co-bill in September at Highway 99 Blues Club in Seattle. “I can’t wait,” Archer said. “We’re going to bring the roof down on that place.”

Another collaborator Archer is excited about is Nick Sandy, who’s also with Maurice the Fish. She calls him “a raw, young talent and one HECK of a guitar player and singer. We have a very good vibe when we play music together.”

Singing true duet in two-part harmony and trading off on verses, Archer and Sandy perform songs by Michael Jackson, Jason Mraz, John Meyer and some classic tunes by Carole King, Men at Work and other ‘80s music. Putting their own spin on cover tunes, the duo also performs a medley of “All Along the Watchtower” into “Stairway to Heaven.”

At this point in her career and life, Archer is poised for great achievement. She said her voice and range have gotten stronger over the past couple of years (“I’m not old, I’m seasoned!” as she puts it) and self-awareness of the heights she can take her amazing talent is growing stronger every day.

“What’s working for me in all aspects of my life right now is I’ve found really good balance. I’ve been knocked down a few times, I’ve been around the block a few times, and now I feel like I ‘get it’ - that I really understand myself, my strengths and weaknesses, and I’m learning to work smart and hard.”

That one-way ticket she bought six years ago from Indiana to Tacoma was the right move. “The freedom I have is worth every bit of the salary I’m not making in corporate America. Been there, done that.”

For more on Kim Archer Band, visit www.kimarcherband.com.