Guitarist, singer, songwriter, collaborator, generally chill and groovy dude — that’s Philadelphia’s Kyle Sparkman.
Since emerging on the scene in 2019, he’s built bridges from the REC scene to the Philly Folk Fest community and the Beardfest world, working with artists like Emily Drinker, Zeek Burse and Trap Rabbit, and bringing them into the fold of his own songwriting. Sparkman’s music shows he has a keen sense for hooks and melody, a little bit of a flare for funk and soul, a little bit more of a propensity to jam, and a touch of lyrical existential dread.
This spring, Sparkman released his latest project, Neon Fever Dream Home, a sublime six-song collection that would vibe well with fans of Khruangbin, Vulfpeck, Hozier, and Natalie Prass. On the Key Studio Sessions this week, Sparkman is joined by a knockout band — Jonathan Coleman of Muscle Tough on bass, Arjun Dube and Logan Roth of Trap Rabbit on drums and keys respectively, and Shan Dae on vocals and guitars. Together, they deliver ripping performances of half of the new EP, warming up for a run of concerts this weekend.
On Thursday, June 27th, they’ll play Brooklyn Bowl Philly with The Wailers; on Saturday, June 29th, they’ll be at 118 North with LowDown Brass Band, who they’ll also share the stage with on Sunday, June 30th at Wonder Bar in Asbury Park. Get tickets and more information on those shows at the WXPN Concert Calendar, and watch Kyle Sparkman’s Key Studio Session below.