The new single from songwriter and lap steel player KB Bayley begins with a quote from his father: “My father always said we were born on the East Side, and the East Side’s where we’ll die,” and that sets the tone for this incredibly powerful confessional song, which is full of narrative details and deeply felt memories. Bayley’s powerful and natural storytelling draws us in and holds us close. Indeed, his vocal delivery feels just like an intimate conversation about his past, his life and where he finds himself now. And while that is personal to KB Bayley, it connects with listeners and our own stories because this is just the stuff of life. The aptly named ‘East Side Confessions’ is open and genuine, with a lyrical vulnerability perfectly matched with Bayley’s delicately poised, stripped-back musicianship. His Weissenborn guitar is simply, sublimely gorgeous, almost like an extra voice, duetting with Bayley, whose vocal delivery feels like a heartfelt conversation. In the choruses, Claudia Stark provides sweet harmonies that really elevate the song – the vocal combination is so striking and such an uplifting part of ‘East Side Confessions’.
This is the title track from Bayley’s new album, which is due for release on 28th November 2025. It features six new, original tracks as well as four interpretations of favourite songs. The sound of the new album features an eclectic mix of guest musicians on seven of the ten tracks, including Alfie Reeves’ electric guitar, Simon Small on drums, Stuart Wilkinson’s bass, Dean Parker on guitar, Gavin Thomas’s harmonica and Charlie Jonas Walter’s pedal steel.
Bayley says of the song: “The song ‘East Side Confessions’ sets up the themes of the rest of the album. It’s about the influence of where we’re from on who we are – in my case, how an upbringing on the cold east coasts of England blended with a love of American folk and roots to shape my own identity and music. It’s also about reflection and redemption, ‘let me tell you stories of the hundred million things I got wrong.’ But above all, it’s about the honesty and vulnerability of the songwriter, ‘I wish I had a diamond, all I’ve got for you tonight is this song.’ I knew I wanted the title track to be stripped back – quietly confessional, just solo voice and Weissenborn, with Claudia’s wonderful BVs. I’m asking the listener to come inside, shut the door and share stories.”
Previous albums “Little Thunderstorms” (2020) and “Flatlands” (2022) received critical acclaim, and the highly anticipated new album promises to be just as powerful. Once again, Bayley’s Tom Buchanan Weissenborn and his square-neck Dobro from Colorado feature throughout the album, bringing those graceful, elegant notes into his songs. He says: “I’ll never consider myself a virtuoso – but I’m more passionate than ever about lap steel as a canvas for songs. It can sing like a bird; growl in pain; and one open chord can paint a picture of a remembered place.” Indeed, it can. The repeated phrase on the Wessenborn is like a chorus, like an angelic voice, rising and falling in drops of musical light. It’s the sound of magical memories and quiet, long-awaited confessions. Be absorbed in its beauty.
