The Prolific, Unique Kurt Vile
Every once in a while I stumble upon a video or song that makes me have to find out who the artist is. Then I become obsessed. I felt this way about Singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist/producer Kurt Vile.
Hailing from PA, Kurt isn’t for everyone. He’s also an acquired taste for some. But he’s completely unique. There is no one who you can compare him to. You could say his style is Indie Rock, Roots Rock, Folk, and more but I just say he’s Kurt Vile.
With a brand new album out and tour dates in Barcelona planned for June 2021 ( still on as of this writing) I thought he would be great for my second column of ‘Dawson’s Pick’.
Kurt started making home recordings with Adam Granduciel in Philadelphia, PA before playing guitar in The War on Drugs. In 2008 he began releasing solo albums that highlighted his quirky, unique and original style. They began with ‘Constant Hitmaker’ in 2008 followed by ‘God Is Saying This To You’ (2009), Childish Prodigy (2009).
The breakthrough fourth release ‘Smoke Ring For My Halo’ was released in 2011. The amazing, perfect ‘Walkin’ On A Pretty Daze’ (2013), ‘B’lieve I’m Going Down’ – his Fifth release which included ‘Pretty Pimpin’, the track that landed him on Billboard’s Adult Alternative Charts in 2016. ‘Lotta Sea Lice’ came out 2017, on which he collaborated with Australian musician and singer Courtney Barnett. 2018 brought ‘Bottle It In’.
As you can see, he is quite prolific. Much of his solo material has been backed by The Violators, which includes Jesse Trbovich (Bass, Guitar, Saxophone), Rob Laakso ( Guitar, Bass), and Kyle Spence (Drums). His newest release is entitled ‘Speed, Sound, Lonely KV’ and is available on Matador Records. To hear Kurt, or purchase this new album, go here:
