Kelsey Waldon to Release I’ve Got a Way on August 12
Critically acclaimed singer-songwriter’s sophomore album showcases newfound confidence and classic country songs
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – June 21, 2016 — Kelsey Waldon caught critics and fans attention alike with her debut album in 2014, and is now set to release I’ve Got A Way on August 12. Recently receiving advance praise from NPR’s Ann Powers, Waldon’s new record is ready to continue her story with a chapter full of confidence for her place in the world, as well as what she’s known for — great songs. Today, Rolling Stone premiered the video for “All By Myself,” which was filmed in her hometown of Monkey’s Eyebrow, KY.
Produced by Michael Rinne like her debut, Waldon’s sophomore album isn’t just a next step; it’s a forward leap. Her message is loud and clear on original cuts like “All by Myself,” “Don’t Hurt the Ones (Who’ve Loved You the Most),” and “Life Moves Slow.” She shines on arrangements of Vern and Rex Gosdin’s “There Must Be a Someone” and Bill Monroe’s “Traveling Down This Lonesome Road,” as well as the classic country kiss-off cut, “You Can Have It.”
Waldon’s solo write, “All By Myself,” in particular, stands out as a thesis statement for the rest of the album, if not for life in general. She explains, it’s not about her, it’s about everyone, and isn’t a lecture or sermon, but a statement: power is inside of each of us.
Waldon’s story to this place of acceptance for her place in the world and the power she, and each of us, posses, began in Monkey’s Eyebrow, KY, in rural Ballard County, where her family has worked on tobacco farms for generations. Her parents divorced when she was 13, and she turned to guitar as a way to make it through her teen years. She never intended to go to college, but eventually attended Belmont University where she received her degree in Songwriting and Music Business. Before that, though, she worked 45+ hours a week at minimum wage jobs, often times working the late night bartending shift and playing every bar that would let her on stage. She’s lived the kind of story fit for a good country song.
Even with an education in country music, Waldon’s inspirations are varied. From classic crooners like Merle Haggard and Loretta Lynn, to bluegrass greats like Ralph Stanley and Ricky Skaggs, to iconic songwriters like Townes Van Zandt, John Prine and Guy Clark, she wears each her influences proudly on her sleeve.
Waldon has previously received praise from NPR, Rolling Stone Country, Billboard, USA Today, Washington Post, American Songwriter and Relix, among others. Waldon will tour to support the album, kicking off at Hill Country (Brooklyn) on July 27.
###
