Kevin Rumley creates feelings, beautifully bottled up into musical soundscapes. His debut EP, titled VI, is an exploration of triumph over adversity, capturing his inspirational life story through each track. On this same date in 2004, Rumley was struck by an IED while serving on the Syrian border in the Marines, an event that claimed the lives of his close friends and nearly his own. Twenty years later, he transformed this significant anniversary into a celebration of resilience and artistry.
Imagine being struck by the lightning bolt of creativity, and you’ll start to understand what listening to this EP feels like. From the rocky and expansive first single ‘Turn The Lights’ to inventive synth and drone track ‘Ohiopyle’ to quieter number closing track ‘For Clifford’, each “feeling” the musician shares is a meticulously crafted emotional landscape.
Reflecting on the EP, Kevin Rumley reveals, “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.”
A veteran of the North Carolina music scene, Rumely has drummed for a variety of artists and bands, including Tyler Ramsey of Band of Horses and Electric Owls. Now stepping into the spotlight, he shares his psychedelic, indie-rock sound with the world. His influences include indie rock’s Panda Bear and Phosphorescent, blended with his unique experiences and collaborative spirit, resulting in a sound that is both expansive and deeply personal.
His VI EP portrays resilience and creative genius. It’s a captivating listen from beginning to end, offering a unique blend of indie-rock, folk, and orchestral elements that resonate deeply with the soul.
You can also find the EP track ‘Turn The Lights’ in our Indie Rockers playlist.
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