In Session: Kiel Love

SARANAC – Music, like all art forms, has a seemingly limitless way in which it can be created and delivered. Sometimes, compositions will call for entire orchestras, or just a simple a cappella piece. A song may require that classic “heavy-metal thunder,” or just one person strumming a guitar, and delivering a piece in an authentic and endearing singer-songwriter fashion. This is certainly the case for artist Kiel Love, who, with his latest release, “Loggers Road,” shows how this aesthetic can be quite effective.

An upcoming artist, Kiel definitely has a lot to say, and I’m glad he’s starting to show the area his artistic voice. “Loggers Road,” for example, is a simple, yet nostalgic tune that allows its listeners to feel the story behind the words, perhaps even before they process the lyrics themselves. A tune that is steeped in imagery, emotion, and honesty, it’s a great introductory release. I had the pleasure of sitting down with Kiel over the weekend. What follows is our conversation in which we delve into his influences, and muse over his artistic beginnings, as well as what he has planned for the future. To support the artist, please follow the link at the end of the article.

Lucas Garrett: Hey, Kiel, thanks for sitting down with me this evening to talk about your music. I heard “Loggers Road,” and I thought it was really nice and relaxed. Let’s talk a bit about your music!

Kiel Love: Thanks for having me! I’ve been writing songs for quite a few years – probably fifteen, twenty years, now. I just kind of write whatever comes out of me. I don’t try to write any certain sound or way. It’s just whatever comes out when I’m feeling that writing itch, I guess.

LG: Mhm. You say you’ve been writing for fifteen or twenty years, now, and it certainly shows in the sense that the songs – from what I’ve heard – seem really well put together. Both lyrically and melodically. There’s a minimalistic nature to them that I really enjoy. Who are some of your favorite artists and bands that you enjoy listening to?

KL: I actually listen to a lot of different kinds of music, from folk and country; I listen to rap; I listen to hard-core metal. My favorite folk artist is Gregory Alan Isakov. My favorite metal band is Every Time I Die. Billy Strings is great; I just love music. When I was younger, I was really into punk music: Blink-182; Green Day. That morphed into the heavier stuff.

As I got older, I mellowed out with that and discovered guys such as Gregory Alan Isakov. That music just gives you such a good feeling – he’s got a really mellow vibe to him. I can relate to that.

LG: We talked a bit before the interview, and you said you’ve always been into music, but now you really wanted to go out and put your name out there. What was the impetus, or driving force, that made you say, “Hey, I want to start releasing my own music?”

KL: I had a big life-change a few years ago. Over the last few years, I’ve been getting this feeling of “You only live once,” and why not really do what you love, you know? I’m fortunate enough where I’m able to spend time doing that. Once I really started playing my own songs and putting myself out there more, I found myself meeting such great people. The gentleman that recorded those songs, for example, and the other guys in the music community.

When you do follow your dreams, in a sense, it’s amazing to me how – all of the sudden – opportunities are coming your way. You start meeting more people and I just kind of made the decision; my songs are of such a personal nature to me. The things that I write and say in my songs are things that I think about in my own head. It’s kind of strange starting to play those out in front of people. But, I just made the decision that I was going to go for it and let myself go, you know? It feels good.

LG: Well, I’m glad you did. I really enjoyed what I’ve heard so far.

KL: Thank you.

LG: There are a few releases on your Bandcamp; they’re really nice. They’re almost like these little vignettes; miniature stories that are enjoyable to listen to. Do you have any plans for an EP or full album in the future?

KL: Yeah. I really just recorded these songs within the last few weeks. I’m just now wrapping my head around having my songs out there. Those five pretty much make up my first EP. I do have a lot more songs, so, in the future I’d definitely like to put out a full-length album. But, I want to start getting out there and playing it for people. I’m just ready and excited to get out there and play in front of some people. These first five songs are a taste of what my music sounds like.

LG: It must feel like a nice release – you’ve been telling me you’ve written for years now. Getting them out in the world now is like turning on the tap of a faucet.

KL: Yeah, it’s weird for sure.

LG: It’s a nice weird though, right?

KL: Yeah, it’s a nice weird. It’s just that uncomfortable feeling of putting yourself out there. You don’t know how you’re going to be received. But, honestly, when you think about it – and you really don’t have anything to prove to anybody – I project outwards my own insecurities. I think that people maybe don’t want to hear it, but if you let that go and put the music out there… I’ve been getting positive feedback, and learning lessons every day.

LG: I’m always happy to hear from new artists. Is there anything else you’d like to go over in this interview as we wrap this up?

KL: I’m happy that you reached out, man! It’s cool to hear some interest! I’m just happy to put it out there and have people hear it. That’s my goal; I play because I love it, and hopefully other people can enjoy the music, too.

LG: Absolutely, man. It’s good to check out your music and I can’t wait to see what you’ve got in store for us in the future.

KL: Thank you very much, man. I appreciate it.

LG: Have a good night, Kiel.

KL: You too, Lucas.

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