Get to know Kwesi K before he sings “God Bless America” at the Phillies Game on Sunday
This Sunday afternoon June 1st, Philly Local artist Kwesi K will be singing “God Bless America” during the 7th Inning stretch at the Phillies game. (Thanks to the Phillies organization for this opportunity.) He will also be part of the annual XPN Philly Local Showcase at the Philly Folk Festival, performing on Saturday August 16th on the Camp Stage. I will begin hosting at 11 am and other artists performing Ryan Tennis, Mutlu and Irene Molloy.
Here’s some info on Kwesi K!
Helen Leicht: How long have you lived in Philly?
Kwesi K: I’ve been in Philly for 2 years and have lived all over. South Philly, North Philly, the suburbs, currently in Conshohocken.
HL: When did you decide you wanted to go into the studio to record your songs? Who produced “Fold” and “By My Side”
KK: Once the songs were strong enough, I met Charlie Patierno (the producer) early on when I moved to Philly and we spent a lot of time working with the songs before hopping into the studio.
HL: You have a new song “Great Goodbye” it sounds great. Where did you record the new music? Who did you work with on this new song? Guest musicians? Vocals?
KK: Thanks! Charlie Patierno produced the song (he produced “Fold” as well) and it was recorded at Turtle Studio in South Philly (Also where Aaron Brown & The Spell recorded his LP). I worked with a bunch of Philly heads..Ross Bellenoit played guitar, Elliot Garland (keys, bass), and Charlie Patierno also played drums on it. Our newest video is an acoustic rendition of “Great Goodbye” featuring Ginger Coyle and Chelsea Sue Allen (Vilebread) shot by Out of Town Films.
HL: Any shows coming up? Solo or /with a band?
KK: World Cafe Live in Wilmington (full band, supporting Lira) June 20
Burlap and Bean (duo, supporting Barnaby Bright) June 25
And every Thursday in July catch the full band at The Grape Room in Manayunk.
HL: You will be at the Philly Folk Festival this summer and joining me for the XPN Philly Local Showcase on the Camp stage. Who will be in your band for this performance?
KK: I will probably keep the same 4 piece as I’ve been playing (Elliot Garland, John Stenger, Lionel Forrester) maybe add some trumpet by Leon Jordan Jr. maybe some electric guitar, we will see, first Folk Fest too so very excited!
HL: If you could pick 5 songs/albums to take to a Desert Island what would they be?
KK: Albums, oh boy..
Feel Good Lost by Broken Social Scene
Love is Hell by Ryan Adams
Aquemini by Outkast
Maybe You’ve Been Brainwashed Too by The New Radicals
The Shepard’s Dog by Iron and Wine