Renowned singer-songwriter Ruston Kelly from South Carolina has introduced his brand-new EP, “Weakness, Etc”, comprising seven compelling tracks that resonate with themes of love, longing, and human frailty. This collection, an accompaniment to Kelly’s well-received third studio album, 2023’s “The Weakness”, features three previously unreleased songs, including the captivating new single, “The Watcher”.
Drawing inspiration from a diverse array of sources, Kelly delves into the realm of Jewish and Christian apocrypha for “The Watcher”. In this poignant track, he intricately weaves a narrative from the perspective of an angel who defies celestial decree to pursue love with a human, evoking themes of sacrifice and redemption.
Reflecting on his creative process, Kelly shares insights into the significance of these tracks, particularly the unreleased gems that often serve as the foundation for a cohesive album narrative. Accompanied by acoustic renditions, these songs offer a glimpse into the evolution of his songwriting, transitioning from introspective melodies to immersive sonic landscapes.
Included in this anthology are previously released singles such as “Mending Song (Piano Version)”, “Belly of the Beast”, and “Heaven Made the Darkness”, alongside stripped-down interpretations of album favourites like “Cold Black Mile” and emotionally stirring compositions like “Nothing Out There” and “The Wreckage”. Each song serves as a testament to Kelly’s lyrical prowess and his ability to evoke profound emotions through his music.
As Kelly prepares to embark on a solo acoustic tour, commencing on March 27 at Columbus, OH’s A&R Music Bar, audiences can anticipate an immersive journey through his musical repertoire. From iconic venues like Levon Helm Studios in Woodstock, NY, to a poignant finale at Nashville, TN’s historic Ryman Auditorium on May 2, this tour promises to captivate audiences with Kelly’s soul-stirring performances.
With “Weakness, Etc”, Ruston Kelly continues to enchant listeners with his introspective melodies and profound storytelling, solidifying his status as a trailblazer in contemporary folk and Americana music.
RUSTON KELLY – SOLO ACOUSTIC TOUR 2024:
MARCH
27 – Columbus, OH – A&R Music Bar
28 – Grand Rapids, MI – The Stache
29 – Detroit, MI – The Shelter
30 – Indianapolis, IN – The Vogue Theatre
APRIL
1 – Columbia, MO – Rose Music Hall
3 – Boulder, CO – The Fox Theatre
4 – Omaha, NE – The Waiting Room
5 – St. Louis, MO – Delmar Hall
7 – Madison, WI – Majestic Theatre
8 – Chicago, IL – Thalia Hall
10 – Toronto, ON – Horseshoe Tavern
13 – Portsmouth, NH – 3S Artspace
14 – Boston, MA – Paradise Rock Club
16 – Hamden, CT – Space Ballroom
17 – Woodstock, NY – Levon Helm Studios
20 – Brooklyn, NY – Music Hall of Williamsburg
21 – Washington, DC – Sixth & I
23 – Charlottesville, VA – Jefferson Theater
25 – Charleston, SC – Music Farm
26 – Knoxville, TN – Bijou Theatre
27 – Asheville, NC – The Grey Eagle Music Hall & Pub
28 – Atlanta, GA – Terminal West
30 – Birmingham, AL – WORKPLAY
MAY
2 – Nashville, TN – Ryman Auditorium
NOVEMBER
9 – Miami, FL – Holiday From Real Cruise 2024