• No Depression Sessions at Folk Alliance International 2024: Martin Kerr

    Brad Wagner Posted On March 26, 2024
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    A portrait of Martin Kerr in soft daylight
    Martin Kerr (photo by Shaun Scade)

     

    Please enjoy the next installment of our No Depression Sessions series from Folk Alliance International in Kansas City, as UK-born and Canada-based singer-songwriter Martin Kerr joins us for three songs from his forthcoming EP. At the time we recorded this session, the working title of the EP was Curious Heart, which has since evolved into the current title, After the Apocalypse. Under any title, the songs are fantastic, so let’s dive in.

    Kerr begins his No Depression Session with “I’m Sorry I’ve Got No Idea,” a self-described “love song for the end of the world.” Kerr acknowledges that “There’s a bit of a darker edge to the EP,” which didn’t necessarily spring from an intention to make it that way. He tells us that his only focus was to be as honest as possible in the songwriting sessions.

    Next up is “If I Look a Little Tired Today,” an appropriate carry-on-’til-dawn anthem for the late nights and carnivalesque atmosphere of the 5th, 6th and 7th floors of The Westin Kansas City during FAI. But Kerr describes a craftsman-like approach to the songwriting that went into After the Apocalypse, meaning he showed up day after day to put in the work, even on the days (especially on the days?) when the inspiration was unclear. The duality between being the type of person who is inclined to howl at the moon AND the type who shows up ready to work in the morning holds a particularly endearing place in my heart.

    Finally, Kerr wraps up his session with what used to be the title track, “Curious Heart,” a song that nearly didn’t make the record but ended up being recorded because Kerr found himself with an extra hour of studio time with the band at the end of the day. Stay tuned for the release of the EP, and please enjoy Kerr’s No Depression Session here!


    This No Depression Session at Folk Alliance International 2024 is made possible by AEA Ribbon Mics.     Find previous No Depression Sessions at Folk Alliance International 2024 here, and look for more in the coming weeks. 

     




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