Singer-songwriter Kevin Rumley uses a near death experience to inspire his anticipated debut EP VI, out now.
While serving in the Marines on the Syrian border, Kevin was hit by an improvised explosive device, an attack that killed his closest friends and left him severely injured. Marking a key moment in his recovery ,the debut EP, VI, offers psychedelic indie-rock that journeys through a cathartic exploration of triumph over tragedy. Blending elements of indie-rock, folk, and orchestral choirs, Kevin creates a sound uniquely his own, from the airy rock opener ‘Turn The Lights’ to the spacious concluding song ‘For Clifford’.
Kevin describes his work not as songs, but as “musical snapshots of feelings.” These feelings manifest in the luscious sonic landscapes of VI, offering the first glimpse into Kevin’s internal music universe. After being gifted a mellotron by Drop Of Sun’s studio owner, Adam McDaniel, Kevin’s sound was elevated to a new realm, fusing classic acoustic instrumentation with sweeping synths and engrossing textures.
Reflecting on the EP, Kevin shares: “My life, at the time, was in a state of great motion and change. But VI was my reflective space. My attempt at making sense of life and love and loss. I partnered with many local musicians, my absolute heroes, to have these melodic ‘feelings’ released. I don’t call them songs, so much as ‘feelings or emotional landscapes.’ I had around 200 recordings; these are just the six that I chose to release for their cohesive energy.” Releasing VI is a proud achievement for Kevin. “It is my proudest achievement. I’m proud to be in recovery and to have received my Doctorate in Social Work… to have survived being blown up, homelessness, and loss. But my greatest joy is releasing music. Wild! I just can’t believe it, and I’m so proud to have the opportunity.”
Based in the mountains of Asheville, North Carolina, Kevin Rumley has been making music his whole life. He started out recording songs with his brother and lifelong collaborator, producing their signature cathartic, expansive sound in their psychedelic rock outfit, Her Marigold, since middle school. As a drummer, Kevin works with artists across North Carolina, including Band of Horses’ own Tyler Ramsey, Bandazian, Wildebeest, and Electric Owls. His influences include indie rock’s Panda Bear, Phosphorescent, and his brother, Matt Rumley, creating a uniquely psychedelic sound that reflects years of collaboration, experimentation, and performing.
Kevin Rumley also unites his musical exploration with his work as a veteran counselor and mentor. Utilizing his lived experience, Kevin helps those struggling with rehabilitation, bringing his connection with musical healing into his work. “Music is everything,” Kevin says. “Music can instantly calm the nervous system and allow for ventral vagal grounding. Music allows humans who are traumatized to access their neofrontal cortex. Music therapy is an evidence-based modality. My music making it into the VA Hospitals Ketamine Therapy playlist for PTSD is one of my greatest honors.” With VI, Kevin Rumley not only shares his musical journey but also continues to connect with others, using music as a tool for healing and recovery.
Listen below:
