With his 2018 debut album ‘Dying Star’, Ruston Kelly announced himself as a serious talent. AUK’s Jim Finnie described that release as “A really solid debut album by an artist destined for greater things”. The record was largely built around Kelly’s own personal struggles with drug addiction, alcoholism, and his mental health. His new album ‘Shape & Destroy’ can be viewed as much as a companion piece, as it is follow-up. The themes are similar but where ‘Dying Star’ documented Kelly’s problems, on ‘Shape & Destroy’ he navigates his way through them. It is a journey which has been transformative, although Kelly acknowledges that, although he is now on the right path, there have been some trips along the way and that he has not yet completed the journey. Continue reading “Ruston Kelly “Shape & Destroy” (Rounder Records, 2020)”
Tag: Ruston Kelly
Video: Ruston Kelly “Pressure”
Ahead of his new album, ‘Shape and Destroy’, Ruston Kelly has released his latest single. The album, due on 28th August, charts Kelly’s journey through difficult times and trying to remain sober. He says of the record: “Making this record definitely taught me that I don’t want to be selfish: I want to channel something larger than myself and give myself to the process as fully as possible, because these songs also become the story of whoever hears them. Whatever someone might get out of listening to this record and hearing me express myself in this way, it’s completely theirs.” ‘Pressure’ is another fine song and vocal performance from Kelly. Enjoy.
Video: Ruston Kelly “Radio Cloud”
‘Radio Cloud’, the new single from Ruston Kelly, certainly has a catchy, radio-friendly melody and chorus. It’s taken from the new album, ‘Shape & Destroy’, due out on 28th August. Kelly says: “‘Radio Cloud’ is about remembering who you are, what you are born to do, and seeing your uniqueness as an important and vital addition to community and culture. The video, directed by Stephen Kinigopoulos and Alexa King, was an ode to late 90s pop-punk/emo music videos, which were very band heavy, accompanied with a loose but impactful narrative. I also got to graffiti the room myself which has a lot of little Easter eggs in there if you look close enough.” This bodes well for the follow-up to 2018’s acclaimed ‘Dying Star’. Enjoy.
Something for the weekend: Ruston Kelly “Radio Cloud”
We leave you this week dear reader with a new track out today from the forthcoming album ‘Shape & Destroy’ which comes out August 28th on his new label home Rounder Records, and which we’re already chomping at the bit for. Reflecting on the album, Kelly says: “Making this record definitely taught me that I don’t want to be selfish: I want to channel something larger than myself and give myself to the process as fully as possible, because these songs also become the story of whoever hears them. Whatever someone might get out of listening to this record and hearing me express myself in this way, it’s completely theirs.” Have a good one.
Ruston Kelly is back with new album and single – Listen
The lovely Mr Ruston Kelly has announced the release of his third album ‘Shape & Destroy’ which is due out on 28th August via Rounder Records, and to accompany the news he’s today released a new song from it called ‘Rubber’ which you can watch below. Continue reading “Ruston Kelly is back with new album and single – Listen”
Ruston Kelly releases new song “Brave” – Watch
The lovely Ruston Kelly whose last album ‘Dying Star’ was one of our records of 2018 has returned with a new song ‘Brave’ which you can watch the video for below. Dedicated to his mum, it was shot last month at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium on the night of his sold-out, headline debut performance. It also features footage and photos that highlight various periods of Kelly’s life from his childhood to the present. In conjunction with the song, Kelly has also released a new “Brave” t-shirt with a design featuring his handwritten lyrics, all proceeds from which will be donated to the charity MusiCares. You can order that here and, er, wear it around the house once it arrives.
Ruston Kelly covers Dashboard Confessional’s “Screaming Infidelities” – Listen
Ruston Kelly could sing a 50-hour version of the phone book (something we had when phones had cords kids) and we’d still love it. On his forthcoming new project ‘Dirt Emo Vol. 1’ available October 11th, he covers some of his favourite artists including the Carter Family and Taylor Swift. One such cover is a version of Dashboard Confessional’s classic ‘Screaming Infidelities’ which features the band’s lead singer Chris Carrabba, along with some nice pedal steel and whispered harmonies. Have a listen. Oh and the tracklist, all eight of them, is below.
Continue reading “Ruston Kelly covers Dashboard Confessional’s “Screaming Infidelities” – Listen”
AMA announces its line-up for 2019 awards ceremony
The 18th annual Americana Honors & Awards is happening next month over in Nashville and they have announced the performing lineup for their big ceremony which takes place on the 11th. The list includes (deep breath…) Continue reading “AMA announces its line-up for 2019 awards ceremony”
Ruston Kelly covers Carter Family classic – Listen
We leave you this weekend dear reader with a little treat in the form of a new cover of the Carter Family’s ‘Weeping Willow’ by Ruston Kelly, whose ‘Dying Star’ album was one of our highlights of 2018. He told Stereogum: “To say I’ve been influenced by the Carter Family is an understatement. When I first heard their 1927 recordings—considered the ‘Big Bang’ of country, folk and Americana music—I was changed forever; Maybelle Carter remains one of my greatest musical influences.” Apologies for it being in annoying Spotify format but beggars and choosiness. Have a good one.
2019 Americana Honor and Awards Nominees are announced
So this happened last night although they didn’t send us a press release so we’re reporting this via Rolling Stone. We do by the way love the Milk Carton Kids – don’t forget to catch them in the UK in a couple of weeks’ time: “Nominees for the 2019 Americana Honors & Awards were announced Tuesday afternoon, with multiple women being recognized in the top categories. The Milk Carton Kids (and, later, Mavis Staples) read the names of the nominees during a rehearsal for the “Mavis & Friends: Celebrating 80 Years of Mavis Staples” concert set for Wednesday in Nashville. Continue reading “2019 Americana Honor and Awards Nominees are announced”