A new single release from Kyle Szalay comes through with such a lush and personal honesty that it's impossible to turn away from especially with such descriptive and deepening lyrics that paint these vivid pictures in your head while you listen.
"the best part" has such an existential beauty to it that feels so genuine and the approach comes with this classic vintage Folk tonality that grows into a bigger Indie pop Waltz and when it changes into that it's quite a pleasant surprise because it shows a different side to the aesthetic and the vibe of the song all in one shot.
This is a song that wraps itself around you and keeps you right where it wants to with an emotional drive that is incredibly relatable and with such a robust character and personality that you want to know more while you're listening to the song and that's an incredible feeling.
Can tell this came from someplace genuine and that makes the song and the character that much more authentic so you find yourself becoming attached to that persona very much and it happens quite quickly.
It certainly doesn't hurt that there is a chorus that just sticks with you for hours after the song has ended.
There's a lot to love about this song but I think one of the most important aspects of it is the performance because the song has a very well-delivered acoustic guitar and vocal performance and if the whole thing remained that stripped down for the entire song it would still be just as impactful as it is with the full band feel that it has.
This is an important thing to touch base on because the whole backbone of the song is continuously there no matter how big or small the soundscape is and that's something that makes the song unique.
This was gracefully done, it had a colorful sort of honesty and beauty to it, and the song has a lot of heart.
And not only that, but it's got this sort of cinematic feel as well like you could certainly hear the track in the scene of a film or a TV show because it's got that emotional drive.
This is the kind of music that makes you think and feel and because of that it is the exact time of music that we need more of these days.
Songs that make us think or feel are beautiful and this one is no exception because at times the song can even make you think of your own memories and those start popping up in your head at random.
When a song can trigger something like that it has an impact and that's exactly what I'm trying to say here.
We need music that is impactful. Music that leaves a mark on your thought process or your soul.
This was a truly wondrous song and with its release, we wanted to have a sit down with Kyle to find out where this came from and what might be coming up next.
Here's what happened.
RAG: Okay, let's start with the "You Were the Best Part"! This was honest and had a cinematic backbone! How did this release come about?
I appreciate the kind words. I wanted to write a song that depicted the bittersweet feeling of someone becoming estranged because they were meant for so much more than yourself. I wanted it to be right at the transition point where there is realization that this estrangement is for the better. Classic "If you love someone let them go" kind of idea. I wrote the song in a couple of hours and almost immediately went to record it.
RAG: How did this all start for you as an artist?
Music has always been a major staple in my life. My grandfather (songwriter/blues musician) rooted me in a deep blues/rock influence from a super young age, like 7 years old. Because of him I have been playing guitar for as long as I can remember, and I started writing songs when I was 14 or 15 to express myself. From there I went to school for audio engineering where I learned to make my own records and I have been recording, playing live, and writing since.
RAG: What kind of things really inspire songs for you?
The feeling of melancholy, or chills when you listen to a really good record, that's what it's all about for me. The idea that I may be capable of successfully giving that same feeling to someone else, and emotionally transporting them somewhere just like great records do for me; that's the inspiration.
RAG: This release has some great approaches to it! Can you give us some of your biggest influences musically?
I have always been into Bob Dylan, The Rolling Stones, The Beatles, John Mayer, really great songwriters. As of recently my headphones have been playing a lot of Noah Kahan, Caamp, Zach Bryan, Lumineers, etc.
RAG: What are you doing when you're NOT working on music?
Music takes a lot of my free time haha. I mostly enjoy spending time with those I hold close to me. Whether that's going out, hiking, grabbing a drink, or staying in.
RAG: Who's in your headphones right now?
Noah Kahan's last record still can't find its way out of my headphones, I think it was the record of the year and was so inspirational.
RAG: Are you doing any live performances right now?
Yes! I have a couple shows in Fort Collins this month and will hopefully land quite a few gigs at home base (Denver) in these upcoming weeks.
RAG: Do you record these at a big studio, or do you have a home studio set-up?
I record, mix, and master all from my home studio. I was fortunate enough to learn from some really great audio engineers, and over the years the gear at home has become quite a great collection! I'm lucky to get to do it for myself.
RAG: What can your fans expect from you in the near future?
I think 2024 will be the most output of music, as well as the most shows I have played compared to any year. I can't wait!
RAG: Before we go, what would you like to say to fans of the music?
From the bottom of my heart thank you so much for the support, it quite literally means everything to me to have it. Stay tuned for 2024!
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