Catch Of The Week: Reed Kirkwood
Meet Reed Kirkwood from Melrose, MA
Escapism is the goal for much of our music preferences, especially now. So, bring it on, Reed Kirkwood. Reed brings a gratifying, rocking drive to a jangly backdrop in his debut single, “Out of the Bonfire.” The song’s lyrics take you out of the office and into country to unload a hard days work at a roaring bonfire. The theme of hard work and hard play is certainly familiar to country music fans.
Kirkwood, a multi-instrumentalist, started writing songs at a young age, and describes his vibe as mesh of singer/songwriter, country, pop and rock influences. Taking cues from some of his heroes like Keith Urban, Taylor Swift and Dave Matthews, he relishes “blurring the lines” of the genres.
So, hop in and take a ride with this talented singer/songwriter, and the vehicle that drove him onto Spotify’s New Music Nashville playlist, his debut single, “Out at the Bonfire.”
Push Play For RK
“Out at the Bonfire”
Read About Reed
- From: Melrose, MA
- Grew up in: Marcellus, NY (near Syracuse)
- Now lives in: Melrose, MA
- Current single: “Out at the Bonfire”
- What lead you to music: First and foremost I’m a music fan. Music is transcendent. It brings people together or keeps you company when you’re lonely. It can either complement your mood or change your mood. I’ve literally had music stuck in my head all day, every day, for as long as I can remember, and I’ve been hooked on writing music ever since I first realized you could make up a new song just by stringing a few notes together.
- How old when you started: Piano at age 9, saxophone at age 10, and finally picked up the guitar at 16.
- First country song you learned: “I Go Back” by Kenny Chesney
- Instruments played: Guitar, bass, saxophone, keys, banjo, mandolin and computer
- How would you describe your sound: Blurring the lines of country songwriting and twangy instruments with modern pop production… and the occasional gratuitous rock guitar solo.
- Who inspires you: Keith Urban, Ellie Goulding, Jason Aldean, Eric Church, Taylor Swift, Muse, Lori McKenna, Tove Lo, Dave Matthews Band
- Dream duet partner: Ellie Goulding
- All- time favorite country song: (or songs if you can’t name just one): That’s a tough one. I might have to say “Something Like That” by Tim McGraw, “Who I Am” by Jessica Andrews, and anything by Jason Aldean or Eric Church.
- First country concert: I think Chris Cagle in Syracuse around 2001?
- What songs do you like now on Country 1025: “More Than My Hometown”, “Next Girl”, and “Almost Maybes”.
- If you weren’t a musician, what would you be doing: I’d be a chef 100%. Cooking and making music are so similar. Following recipes is like playing covers are recipes and songwriting is making up your own recipe. Music has less calories though.
- Day Job: Music industry by day, music maker by night.
- Most proud moment: Landing my debut single “Out at the Bonfire” on Spotify’s New Music Nashville playlist.
- Crazy thing that happened in your music career: Landing my debut single “Out at the Bonfire” on Spotify’s New Music Nashville playlist.
- Other things you like to do: Hiking, skiing, biking, cooking, and hanging out with my wife and dog.
- Fun facts: I have a brief history of moonshining, am obsessed with anything related to Jurassic Park, and once spent over $300 on Labatt Blue in a month just to collect enough points to redeem for a ballcap. #NoRegrets
- Mantra: Aged in upstate NY, bottled in Nashville and drunk in New England.
The Kirkwood Network
Every week, Kruser’s Local Catch highlights New England’s homegrown country music talent, and tells you where to catch them locally and in Nashville. Click here to view previous catches.
*Singer/songwriters with original music: Please submit for consideration on The Local Catch by emailing: [email protected]
