KACEY JOHANSING EXPLORES ALL THAT IS LOVE IN NEW ALBUM 'NO BETTER TIME'
Michigan born and LA-based musician Kacey Johansing is set to release her fourth album following up on her critically acclaimed 2017 LP The Hiding. The anticipated follow-up sounds fuller and brighter than ever, with singles “I Try”, “All Of Me” and “No Better Time” driving a soft country-folk sound reflecting on self-love, toxic relationships, and all facets of how one accepts love in his/her/their life.
The record kicks off with the seductive “Make Love” showcasing Kacey’s dreamy guitar tone and full band pop-inspired folk sonic that sets the tone for the rest of the album. This introductory piece eases the flaunting of Kacey’s understated vocal talent with beautifully-constructed and harmonious melodies.
We then reach the second single of the LP and the immediate reason why I requested a preview of this album, “All Of Me”. “All Of Me” is a standout record preaching a beautiful anthem of self-love with a backdrop of strummed and picked guitars, laid-back groove, and vibrant synth melodies. While expressing true feelings of love and vulnerability, Kacey addresses the important message of “self-acceptance and learning how to love one’s own body, while existing in a culture of narrow and distorted beauty standards for women.”
We spoke to Kacey regarding the new release’s themes, production, and what she’s got planned:
GSM: What can you tell us about the overall theme of the new album? ... and what are some of the things that have given you inspiration?
Kacey: The theme of the album is about accepting love into one’s life. Whether it be self-love or the love of a partner or even of your community. I wrote many of these songs after I had first moved to LA and was healing heartbreak from several losses. I was suddenly the new kid again after having been a part of a really tight-knit community and my main companion was a new partner with whom I didn’t know how to let their love in fully. These songs were guides for me it seems. Teachers helping me to move through the grief and give me encouragement.
GSM: I’ve got to say I absolutely loved listening to and reviewing your track “All of Me”, is there anymore you can tell us about the subject of self-acceptance in the song?
Kacey: Thank you so much! Self-acceptance is a daily practice it seems. “All of Me” is definitely about body positivity and learning how to accept one’s body in whatever state it’s in. I’m so grateful that beauty standards are changing and that we can re-program what has been considered beautiful, sexy, and attractive. I wrote this song immediately after a pretty discouraging experience while getting dressed. It was cathartic and healing. It continues to be an anthem of radical self-acceptance.
GSM: I can also see that the record was produced by yourself and Tim Ramsey, how was it working together on this project?
Kacey: Tim is my partner so working with him felt incredibly comfortable. He grew up in LA so he has a deep appreciation for the musical history of this town. His ability to pull from the greats while keeping it authentic and original was really incredible. I love working with him and feel so grateful to have a partner with who I can collaborate with.
GSM: What would you say then sets this record apart from your previous releases?
Kacey: I think the recording process and the setting sets it apart. In the past making records has felt like a long drawn-out process with many stops and starts. I think the fact that we tracked the basics so quickly gave us a lot of momentum to finish the album in a relatively short period of time. We captured some kind of magic and it really felt meant to be.
GSM: How would you say you’ve found the process of releasing new material during the pandemic?
Kacey: It’s been really challenging in some ways and deeply rewarding in others. I think if I had released towards the beginning of the pandemic it might have felt more disappointing, but now that we are this far I have a better sense of what to expect. I think releasing music is so so important during these times. Our priorities and expectations as musicians are going to have to shift. Of course, I miss playing shows but what’s most important to me is knowing that I’ve been able to have a positive impact on the listener.
GSM: What would you say are some of your favourite tunes on the new record and why?
Kacey: My favorite songs are probably “Time Lapse Flower”, “Puzzle” and “Even a lot Feels Like Nothing”. I am just so fond of the songs and the arrangements.
GSM: What are going to be your plans following the new album release? Are you potentially thinking about touring following a return to normality?
Kacey: I’d love to tour eventually! Fingers crossed things will start to feel a bit more normal by next summer. Until then we’ll have to keep finding creative ways to share our music! I’m going to have an album release show on November 24th at 6 pm PST on my YouTube channel.
There's certainly an aura of sincere feeling and maturity that runs through the entire record with each song giving you a little bit more of Kacey’s self and inner wisdom. On listening to the entire record, what hit me most is how well-orchestrated the album is in terms of its instrumental layers and how they interweave with Kacey’s profound lyricism. On “Puzzle” Kacey and her band drive a rocky 70’s style almost Zeppelin-Esque chorus chord progression while Kacey then goes on to sing “My heart it wants to give, and not expect a thing. Without a reason why can’t lose the will to try”.
Kacey and her band have never had such impactful yet delicately put together instrumentals, particularly on remaining singles “I Try” and the self-titled single “No Better time”. Both of which stands as the most upbeat tracks on the record, especially the more uptempo “No Better Time” with it’s heavy on the sleeve country influence featuring an infectiously catchy pedal steel guitar hook.
Then there's the concluding “Not Only One”, for now finishing Kacey Johansing’s exploration of love and sending the message that everything that makes up an individual and their perspective of love/relationships is not to be shared with one single person. That’s the thing about love, it comes in many forms and is often fleeting. Give it to those who deserve it, give it to yourself, let go and fall into step with a new way.
No Better Time is confidently one of Kacey Johansing’s strongest records to date and one we can all relate to in one way or another. The record mixes 70s inspired pop music with folk and country similar to the likes of Weyes Blood and KT Tunstall on her 2013 LP Invisible Empire // Crescent Moon.
A truly heartfelt, memorable, and compelling record from an elegant modern songwriter.
Check out No Better Time out Friday 20th November via Night Bloom Records. Pre-order it by clicking HERE!