When music is life some people are known to go all in. It is not always just a hobby you do on the side of your career. Often it can become the career, even without being a “rock star.” Our recent discovery Kevin Holm-Hudson has built a successful life with music as the focus.
The singer and songwriter is based in Lexington, Kentucky. It is there where Kevin Holm-Hudson holds a doctoral degree in music composition and is a Professor of Music Theory at the University of Kentucky. This is a man who can just as easily write a symphony and a catchy pop song.
With his band Dr. Kevin Holm-Hudson & The Adjuncts, the songwriter has released two full length albums since 2021. Both Message from the Margins and The Trembling Air both received critical praise and were nominated for assorted awards such as the Lexington Music Awards, Appalachian Arts & Entertainment (APPY) Awards, and the Nashville-based Josie Awards.
For his latest foray, Kevin Holm-Hudson has released a solo album titled Milkweed. The 13 track record focuses on more of his indie-folk side. The record opens with the fun and perky “Tree Cathedral Morning” and its high energy folk feel. Acoustic guitar is strummed swiftly to pick up the pulse as Holm-Hudson thanks the nature spirits for the song.
The songwriting talent is very evident. “Relativity No 1” shows how much he can add while still keeping the song simple and elegant. Whispers of a Mountain Goats song come to mind. Lyrical storytelling that draws the listener in deeply. On “Paradoxes” there is a slightly darker vibe. Multiple melodies are sprinkled in to fill all of the available sonic space without ever overpowering the speakers. Beautiful instrumentation.
Hear ‘Paradoxes’ by Kevin Holm-Hudson
The elegant guitar plucking of “The Season Spiral” sets a beautiful tone. Atmospheric sounds creep in and out of the track adding an almost mystical aura. Classical instruments show off the amazing talent that Kevin Holm-Hudson possesses. The arrangements are just amazing. The full song passes almost too quickly demanding another listen.
It seems this album is meant to be listened to in one full sitting. (Something I truly miss in most modern music.) The closer “Milkweed Lullaby” wraps it perfectly with a perfect mesh of laid back energy that soothes the soul while keeping the heart pumping. I seem to keep repeating myself but this is truly beautiful and elegant music. Must listen.
Find more information and music from Kevin Holm-Hudson on FACEBOOK and BANDCAMP.
