By: Staff
Kerrin Connolly, an indie pop rock artist from Boston, MA, is thrilled to announce the release of their latest album, “Transitions,” on October 18th. After years of dedication as a DIY songwriter and producer, this album represents a significant milestone in her musical journey.
With a knack for blending everyday items with traditional instruments, Kerrin has established herself in the DIY music scene. She’s built a passionate following on YouTube, where her covers and original tracks frequently garner thousands of views. Fans are drawn to her heartfelt lyrics and authentic storytelling, marking her as a rising star in the indie landscape.
“Transitions” showcases a fresh direction for Kerrin, featuring a vibrant collection of alternative rock songs characterized by catchy guitar riffs, emotive harmonies, and powerful drum beats. This album embraces the idea of change and pushes back against the monotony of life. It bravely confronts the fears and doubts that accompany transitional phases, prompting listeners to reflect on their identities and aspirations.
Kerrin poses the poignant question, “Is this all there is?” and responds with a hopeful, “I sure hope not.” Through this album, she highlights the reality that life is filled with uncertainties and challenges, encouraging us all to embrace growth and keep moving forward.
Prepare for “Transitions” - a compelling exploration of resilience and personal evolution that promises to resonate with listeners far and wide. Don't miss out on this exciting release! Playlist, stream and share on Spotify and all major platforms.
After experiencing this great production of songs, we also had the chance to catch up with Kerrin Connolly for an exclusive interview in "The Cage" Music Blog!
Here’s how it went:
Begin Interview
“Transitions” is described as a collection of alternative rock songs that represent a slight departure from your earlier work. How do you feel these differences represent you as an artist now, and is this the direction you plan to continue in?
I like to think there's been a steady progression in my releases where the sound is getting bigger, fuller, and more refined - and that's because as a DIY writer and producer, I get to learn as I go and grow with each album cycle. While the subject matter and attitude is pretty similar between all of my projects, Transitions is set apart by its departure from my past reliance on acoustic-based instrumentation, as well as its riffage. I've always been an electric guitar player - I'm just more comfortable and capable of recording it now, so it's great to finally be producing and playing the music I've always gravitated toward.
We noticed that you combine unconventional household items with traditional instruments. The last time we heard anyone do that was Lee from Sonic Youth, and it’s such a unique talent. Can you tell us more about your approach?
On this album, I relied on some more unconventional "instruments" to give the songs a little unique texture. Shaking a tissue box with (unused) cat litter in it, a mason jar lid with guitar picks rattling around, fingernails tapping on the side of a pack of batteries - sometimes when I'm producing a song I just grab random objects in the room to see what sounds good - most of the time it doesn't work, but it's a step in the process where I get to play.
We don’t want to say we have a favorite, but we definitely connected with "Talk Therapy" and the high energy of the guitars. The drum patterns, your vocal cadence, and the overall arrangement create a really unique sound. Can you describe how you developed this?
The demo for Talk Therapy was actually all baritone ukulele and acoustic guitar with a more intimate feel, but in really sitting with it for a while I thought a heavier sound would serve the frustrated lyrics better. I wanted that main riff and drum loop to represent someone unraveling gripes with the way they grew up, rather than complacency with it.
"Beige Ladies" takes a softer, more subdued approach instrumentally, and we really enjoyed your vocals on it. Where did the inspiration for this song come from?
This is really a love song for my grandma, who once told me to put her in a nursing home if she ever became a "beige lady". It's a bit of a walk down memory lane, recalling all the colours I associate with her, or have learned to appreciate about my experience growing up around her. These things remind me to stay true to who I am and what I want to express and explore, whether on the inside or outside.
What’s a day in the studio like for you when you’re working on a project like this? Are there any rituals or habits that keep you in the creative flow?
I wish I had a cool answer for this, but honestly, I'm not a very efficient artist. I work best if I have a well-defined schedule, so every album cycle is carefully calculated in a spreadsheet and matching word doc, so I have a concrete structure to follow. Nothing motivates me and allows me to make more objective decisions than a deadline. Self-care is also paramount in making sure I'm emotionally and mentally able to engage with music making!
How do you navigate the shift from the creative process to preparing for an album’s release? Does one part feel more natural to you than the other?
It's tough for me! Prepping release involves so much admin, promotion, and being a lot more social and upfront than I typically care to be - definitely less natural than the actual creative process. But as difficult as that is, it's ultimately good for me. Creating and promoting are both areas of a project where I get to challenge myself and push through different types of discomfort, and end up better on the other side. Where creating the art can feel a bit insular and only grows my inner world, prepping release and getting in touch with my community allows me to share myself and connect what I'm doing to the rest of the world.
What’s the most surprising feedback you’ve received about your music from fans or fellow musicians?
I actually received pretty high praise from my mastering engineer this time around. I had always mastered my own music prior to this project, for better or worse, and when I finally decided to work with someone else for this album, I was not at all expecting compliments on my mixing. I'm obviously my own worst critic, so it really surprised me to have someone who works with audio professionally to tell me I did a great job. Needless to say, a very rewarding experience, and a bit of a humble brag now!
What are you most excited about as you prepare to release "Transitions"? What’s next on the horizon after this album drops?
I'm excited for the album to enter its new life. While you're creating something, and while it's waiting to be released, it lives in this world of potential and anticipation and only a few people have perspective on it. When it's finally out, it becomes everyone else's to interpret which gives it a bit of a second wind. After that, I get to go into a hard-earned hibernation for a bit, before I jump into the concept album I've been teasing for years.
End Interview
We’re happy to have shared Kerrin Connolly’s exciting journey with you and uncovered such inspiring insights about their creative process.
Now, click the links below to experience their incredible work firsthand!
Check out this latest release and listen to more of Kerrin Connolly on Spotify & YouTube.