Artist: Kevin West: vocals and electric and acoustic guitars; Markus Helander: drums; Brett Belanger: electric and acoustic bass; Whitt Algar: piano and keyboard; Jeff Caldwell: electric guitar; Whitney Hanna: vocals; Steven Sandifer: percussion; Quentin E. Baxter: drums; Kevin Hamilton: bass; Lee Barbour: electric guitar; Charlton Singleton: trumpet; Mark Sterbank: saxophone; and Jonathan Lovett: keyboard
EP: ‘Story Of My Life;’ Producer: Kevin West and Lee Barbour
Relaying the difficulties of living in the real world can be is a powerful and cathartic process for many musicians. That’s certainly the case for singer-songwriter Kevin West, who effortlessly creates liberating stories about how the challenges he has faced and conquered while growing up in a lower middle class blue collar environment makes him a relatable and personable musician. His engaging presence is powerfully highlighted on his upcoming six-track fifth studio EP, ‘Story Of My Life,’ which is set to be releases next Saturday, June 15. The Los Angeles-based musician shares his unpretentious, heart-on-his-sleeve quality through his distinct Americana-rock-jazz-inspired lyrics and instrumentation.
West’s charismatic personality is immediately highlighted in the first entry on ‘Story Of My Life,’ which is titled ‘Best Of Mine.’ Driven by a classic rock-n-roll and Americana vibe that’s infused with a jazz flair, the energetic song, which serves as the lead single, is the best track on the EP. The singer’s vocals are supported by fast-paced drums, guitars, bass and percussion that feature an exhilarating country twang vibe and lively beat. The vocalist emotionally croons that he doesn’t know where he’s going in life, but is self-aware enough to admit that he has a long way to go, and will make the best use of his time. As he reflects on the things he has done, he vows to keep hanging on, and learn to appreciate life, even if things go wrong.
‘Best Of Mine’ then transitions into ‘Story Of My Life’s sophomore entry, ‘One Too Many,’ which is fueled by a bluesy, country and Americana feel. West’s vocals become rough and raspy as he sings about having one too many drinks, and regretting the decisions he made last night after his show. While he admits that he’s drawn to the lifestyle of playing for crowds, he’s determined not to make the same mistake of forging meaningless relationships with members of his audiences again.
Another intriguing tune on West’s upcoming EP is the alluring penultimate entry, which is the title track. The ‘Story Of My Life’ song starts off on a jazzy nature with a flourish of enthralling horns. The musician shows his diversity in his musicality as he ponders whether people will allow him to tell his authentic story about his life through his tunes. He’s reveals that there’s no place rather be than making music, even if no one else is listening. He adds that making music is his catharsis in forgetting his pain, and he looks forward to tomorrow, which is another day to feel better and change.
The ‘Story Of My Life’ EP ends with the refreshing and energetic entry, ‘Not For Nothin.’ The catchy and upbeat purely instrumental-driven song features an invigorating jazz sound on the electric guitar, bass, drums and percussion, as well as a sizzling uptempo and soulful energy on the saxophone.
Sharing the difficulties of living in the real world can be is a compelling and cathartic process for many musicians. That’s certainly the case for West, who naturally creates freeing stories about how the challenges he has faced and conquered while growing up in a lower middle class blue collar environment makes him a relatable and personable musician. His alluring presence is dynamically highlighted through his distinct Americana-rock-jazz-inspired lyrics and instrumentation on ‘Story Of My Life,’ during which the singer-songwriter shares his unpretentious, heart-on-his-sleeve quality.
For more information on West, visit his Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, SoundCloud, Spotify and YouTube pages.
