Noble Kin, the Brooklyn-based project of singer/songwriter Keith Polasko just celebrated the release of his latest album, Let The End Times Roll this month. By relinquishing control, experimenting with new sounds, collaborating with multiple artists and remaining open to the possibilities when working on Let The End Times Roll, Polasko was able to craft a release that he is truly proud of, and the freedom of the album shows.
With Let The End Times Roll out now, we caught up with Polasko to chat about the writing and recording of the album, plans for the end of 2018 and goals for the future. Listen to Let The End Times Roll and read the full interview now below.
Interview by Dom Vigil
Can you tell us a little bit about Noble Kin for anyone who might be hearing you for the first time?
I’d been working on a bunch of songs privately for a while and a friend of mine, Reed Black, an amazing engineer/producer, convinced me to record some of them at his Brooklyn studio, Vinegar Hill Sound. There is no overarching theme or ruling principle or anything. We did it for fun really.
You’re just releasing your new album, Let The End Times Roll. What are you most excited for listeners to hear on the album?
We spent a lot of time experimenting with sounds and harmonies, making sure the textures and ideas varied enough to keep the songs engaging. And the rhythms feel loose but focused. That’s exciting to me.
What inspired the songs on this release? Did you have any major goals in mind when you first started working on it?
Writing music is mostly a process of acknowledging existing concepts and slightly nudging them in another direction. The goal was simply to create something that rides along the border between familiar and original.
What was the most rewarding thing about working on Let The End Times Roll?
It’s rewarding just to be able to collaborate with high-level artists on a project. Craig Polasko of Camfonics fame plays bass. Harry Keithline plays drums. Our engineer Reed Black also plays keyboard and piano. My buddy Casey Opstad made a crazy music video. I also love these people. Basically the whole process was its own reward.
How do you feel you’ve grown with the writing and recording of the album?
This time around I was more open to suggestion and more able to let go of control and just let the band come up with parts I wasn’t anticipating. On some occasions, I ended up scrapping and replacing entire lyric sets and melodies. It’s a form of growth to just relinquish attachment and control.
Ahead of the album, you recently released your single, “Yesterday’s Broadcast.” Can you tell us about the track?
It references this eerie idea of flipping on a radio but only being able to tune in to old irrelevant broadcasts, which has something to do with my subconscious being permanently lodged in the past and drowning out the present. For some reason I felt that sonically it should be like the Beach Boys made a grunge record.
With Let The End Times Roll out now, could fans expect to see you live soon? Do you have any shows coming up?
We’re going to perform a couple of times in Brooklyn pretty soon. November 30th at the Way Station in Prospect Heights and December 18th at Pete’s Candy Store in Williamsburg.
Do you have any big plans before 2018 is over or goals for the new year?
We’re working on some more live shows and some studio sessions. And I prefer to not to let the music get stale so I’m working on songs for the next release too, which should be out some time in 2019.
Thanks for taking the time to chat with us! Is there anything else you’d like to add?
I am nobody to give advice but I think it’s always a good idea to look out for less fortunate people and help others if you have the ability. That’s all I’ve got. Thank you for the interview!
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