Kyle Pacey’s Genre-Defying Musical Odyssey: Catchy Pop-Rock Tunes Infused with Jazz, R&B, and Funk on Road Songs Album
Kyle Pacey manages to pack musing on mankind’s decline, the death and end of the world we all love, and the optimism we should all consider sharing into catchy, pop-infused rock tunes that are layered in jazz notes, R&B bounce, and funk aesthetics from start to finish.
It’s all been captured clearly, horns and all, on Road Songs, Pacey’s latest 2023 EP release, where anyone ready can take a trip through the “sad days, mad days, and bad days” in our world that used to contain so much more hope that we currently have now. But the sounds of catchy, warm horns and driving, bluesy riffs can take you far away from wherever you are, with -infectious melodies and Kyle’s soulful voice planted firmly at the center, making it easier to see what’s possible, and how much better we can make this world.
Regardless of where you start, Pacey’s tunes are a warm reminder of everything that we all hold close, but his latest release, a double-A side single, really helps highlight his unique sound while shining a spotlight on deep themes that permeate across much of his sound and lyrics.
While “Sad Days” brings us all through a song of hopelessness and an end to our world that seems eerily close and within reach, there’s also such a strong sense of togetherness, even if it is “the end for me and you” because it’s something we all share and feel. And in that, hope can be born.
“Once Again,” the next single from the release, shines a light somehow even brighter on the end, while also focusing on the moments left, in a bouncy and vibrant chorus that continues on and on, even if it’s partially about how we all might not soon enough, as Pacey invites everyone listening to seize the day with him.
The release is a well-lit path to Pacey’s inspired sound and the way he sees this world, a place he doesn’t just believe can be better; he can feel it, and you will too, as “Sad Days” and “Once Again” both paint a striking portrait of a world in ruin that can still be saved, while still reminding everyone that we can all have a good time together during the end of the world, if we stick together and try to make it all right.
Kyle Pacey is bringing a unique and smooth blend of rock, pop, melancholy, and blues to you. Give his tunes a listen to see why you need to make a live show after picking up his latest double-A side single release, containing “Sad Days” and “Once Again.”
Watch the video for “Sad Days” below and learn more about Kyle via our mini-interview.
You’ve been on these pages before, and welcome back! What have you been doing the last few months?
I’ve been playing some venues, private events, and festivals and working on promoting my new EP, “Road Songs.”
Tell us about the process of writing and recording “Once Again.”
I was inspired to write “Once Again” by a report I heard about disaster cycles. The number and intensity of disasters and serious disruptions have increased significantly over the past few decades. Humanitarian emergencies are complex and can affect millions of people each year. I have always been concerned about man’s possible decline. We have become techno-gods and ethical-brutes in an ongoing struggle for power and the control of the people, the land, and its resources. Some other artists that I think share my view are Midnight Oil, Rage Against the Machine, and Sting / The Police. To borrow a line from the iconic Police song “Spirits in the Material World,” “there must be another way.” There needs to be a balance. As we continue to push environmental and economic boundaries we need to consider our future and our legacy as we look to technology, the earth, the oceans and the outer limits of the galaxy. We can freeze in fear that someone is out there with their finger on the doomsday button or we can find new hope and “seize the day.”
The main recording was done in a one-day live session at Grant Avenue Studio. Along with my own guitar work there was bass, drums, and keyboards. These instruments added a full and authentic sound for my style of playing and writing. Grant Avenue did a rough mix of the session and then I took that mix to Pine Street Studio. At Pine Street, I added additional vocals and did the final mix.
You’re also releasing “Sad Days” as well at the same time, so what automatically cheers you up when you have just one of those days?
I like to read books about spirit and books that give hope and help open my mind and enrich my thinking. Eckhart Tolle (The Power of Now), Michael Singer (The Untethered Soul), and James Allen (As a Man Thinketh) are a few of my favourites. I also go for long walks on local trails to clear my mind.
Your musical tastes are wonderfully all over the map – Canadian album do you have that would surprise even us?
Liona Boyd’s “The Guitar” might be a surprise. I love listening to classical guitar music. She often played demanding classical arrangements and later branched out to explore other genres and performed with rock and folk artists.
What’s coming up for you?
I’m working on a new CD called Good Fortune.It will have songs that cover a variety of themes. As ever my music will continue to incorporate a layered mix of rock, pop, and R&B. And yes, there may even be some jazz notes.