Kevin Myles Wilson
Toronto, Ontario, Canada | INDIE
Music
Press
Kevin Myles Wilson has put out quite a lovely first effort, an EP entitled Businessman. In a handwritten note included with the album, he describes his work as "pretty f'ing good" and I would have to agree. His songs are sentimental and a little bit sad, but they are punched up by his strong voice and honest lyricism. According to the witty little note he included with his EP, he traveled door to door, offering to play songs for people and their families, including a backyard show for seven people and Feist's father. Wilson seems to be just as charming as his music, and that's pretty darned charming. All five songs on the EP are wonderfully sculpted folk-pop songs, but his best are "Meet Me Halfway" and "My Son." However, listen to the album yourself, because your favourites will likely be different. I can't be enthusiastic enough about Businessman. Hopefully he'll come ambling to a backyard barbeque near you soon! - EXCLAIM! Magazine (Toronto)
“Son” is a very personal song, one written for Kevin’s father. Soulfully sung with simple, beautiful lyrics, it sets the tone for the rest of the EP. You can’t help but feel the pain, joy, hope and ambivalence felt by this artist as he questions his path in life. The songs on this EP reflect a maturity beyond his years. - MusicVice.com
The debut EP from Toronto singer/songwriter Kevin Myles Wilson makes a solid first impression. The spacious arrangements – essentially just Wilson singing over quietly picked acoustic guitar – leave lots of opportunity for us to zero in on his voice, which is brawny, restrained and full of sincerity.
His vocals are the highlight, so it was smart to focus on them. The lyrics share a searching, melancholic quality, giving the impression of a young musician trying to find his path in life. At times they lack subtlety (My Son), but Wilson’s writing instincts largely feel right.
Touches of lap steel, strings, female vocal harmonies and percussion make effective, understated appearances. The Wasted Years has an intermittent shuffle beat, broken-hearted ditty More Than Love has a really effective French horn part, while Ode To A Businessman shows off the unforced vibrato in Wilson’s voice.
Top track: The Wasted Years - NOW! Magazine (Toronto)
Discography
2009 - Self Titled Ep, self released
2012 - Businessman Ep, released by inDiscover Recordings/Orange Records
2012 - The Little Things Ep, self released
Photos
Bio
Kevin Myles Wilson was born in Toronto on June 25th, 1986 and raised just north of there in the town of Aurora. He grew up in a quiet house with little musical influences therefor becoming a musician was not the expected path for his life to eventually take. However, from a young age, it was obvious that he loved being the center of attention. At 17, he was lent his first guitar from a friend and shortly after purchased a $200 keyboard with the money he had earned flipping burgers at the local McDonalds. He was taught a few chords and with those, he began to write his first songs and since then, hasn't stopped.
In 2009, Kevin independently released his debut self titled EP. An eclectic mix of Rock, Blues and Folk songs, produced by Texan born producer and multi-instrumentalist Davey James. After touring, he left his band members temporarily and connected himself to his acoustic guitar and began to write stories and work on his solo performance. In 2011 after experimenting with his catalog of new songs and playing shows all over Toronto, he was discovered by Toronto indie music label, inDiscover Recordings/Orange Records and shortly after, signed a record contract. After 2 months of recording in Toronto at the Orange Lounge Recording Studio, he finally finished and released his new EP titled 'Businessman', a Singer/Songwriter record with hints of Blues and Folk influences. "The debut EP from Toronto singer/songwriter Kevin Myles Wilson makes a solid first impression. The spacious arrangements – essentially just Wilson singing over quietly picked acoustic guitar – leave lots of opportunity for us to zero in on his voice, which is brawny, restrained and full of sincerity. His vocals are the highlight, so it was smart to focus on them. The lyrics share a searching, melancholic quality, giving the impression of a young musician trying to find his path in life." Carla Gillis, NOW magazine.
Post his release, Kevin has touched audiences in venues across Canada and the U.S as well as his most recent accomplishment of being nominated for 'Best Songwriter' at the 2012 Toronto Independent Music Awards and was selected Top 10 out of more than 600 artists to apply to the Rocky Mountain Folks Festival Songwriter Showcase in Lyons, Colorado. Kevin has also made a bold and brave decision to take this record back to basics and back to the root of story telling with his 'Door to Door Tour 2012', where he has been found in Toronto and cities in Southern Ontario, walking from door to door and performing for people at their homes. We have no idea what Kevin will do next, but plans to release a new Ep called 'The Little Things' in early 2013.
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