Kevin Rumley shouldn’t be alive. On April 7th 2004, whilst serving in the Marines on the Syrian border, Kevin Rumley was hit by an improvised explosive device, taking the lives of his closest friends, and nearly his own. Whilst using music as a tool for healing, Kevin honours this momentous date and his subsequent recovery journey with the release of his debut EP ‘VI’ on 7th April, 20 years on. As a drummer in a number of North Carolina outfits, this psychedelic, indie-rock release is a pivotal moment in Kevin Rumley’s solo musical journey. We chat to Kevin Rumley about the incredible debut release…
‘VI’ is made up of “musical snapshots of feelings” rather than songs. Can you elaborate on this concept and how it shaped the overall sound and structure of the EP?
Thank you. My own limitations greatly inform my musical experience. My inability to craft a ‘traditional’ song led me to create tonal experiences; I would search for a few notes/chords that resonated with my feelings/emotions. I can sit on the same two chords for hours. If I am comfortable listening to the same two chords for hours, and it is engaging, I will move forward and add to that. Releasing a 3-minute “song” is really a snapshot of an hour-long landscape. Like the saying, “People don’t remember what you say; they remember how you make them feel.” I just apply that sentiment towards music.
‘VI’ combines so many elements of different genres and soundworlds. How did you approach blending these genres, and what was your inspiration for this eclectic mix?
My greatest inspiration is anything that stacks harmonies. I am in love with harmonies, deep harmonies, probably because I can’t do them. But I love the blending of magical harmonies and pedal steel guitar. I could have just those two things and be happy!
The mellotron, gifted by Adam McDaniel, played a significant role in your sound. How did being gifted a Mellotron by your friend influence the musical direction of ‘VI’, and what was it like incorporating it with your sound?
This gift opened me up to a whole new world of sounds. I am always looking for sounds that can stir emotion or move me. The Mellotron created emotions with the keys in a way that few others could (that I could play).
‘For Clifford’ is such a stunning track from the EP. Can you tell us about the inspiration behind this song and its significance within ‘VI’?
Clifford is my service dog. He is an amazing Golden Retriever. But the song actually stems from my journey of recovery from heroin and opioids and finding peace with this new life. In finding joy in the quotidian tasks. Not unlike a dog.
You mention that you collaborated with many local musicians, your heroes, on this EP. Can you share some insights into these collaborations and how they contributed to the final product?
Dave Maccinnes played an integral part in crafting these songs. His guitar and PSG playing are incredibly melodic. I would meet with him and sing a melody I had in mind. Within seconds, he would take that melody and run with it. The same is true for all of the artists who joined in. They all took it and ran with it.
Your journey from surviving an IED explosion to becoming a musician and veteran counsellor is absolutely incredible. How has your work in social work and with veterans influenced your music, particularly on this EP?
I have spoken about this process of deconstructing my values and beliefs and rebuilding from the ground up. This process informs my musical experience and my work as a therapist. To truly support someone, I need to show up with love and wholeness but also without preconceived ideas of “what” I am supposed to achieve.
As someone deeply involved in music therapy and veteran counselling, what advice would you give to other veterans or individuals using music as a tool for healing?
I believe every person has a unique pathway to their inner voice, or their true self. It often gets muddled or hidden (for many reasons, including trauma, survival, culture, and society). However a person is able to access that true self (for me, it is often through music), I encourage them to continue seeking that path.
As a lifelong musician based in Asheville, North Carolina, how has the local music scene influenced your sound and artistic development?
This area generates the most amazing musicians. How can it not influence you? I think the greatest takeaway is the idea of creating a musical experience. Regardless of the style or genre you perform, simply creating a true and authentic experience for the listener has stuck with me.
After this incredible debut release, what can fans expect coming up? Any live shows or upcoming releases you’d like to share?
I actually released my newest single ‘Stay Alive’ today! I’m so excited for it to be out and shared with the world.
We absolutely love ‘Stay Alive’, Kevin! Thanks so much for talking to us.
Listen to Kevin Rumley on SPOTIFY | APPLE MUSIC
Find Kevin Rumley on INSTAGRAM | FACEBOOK
