story / LOGAN BRENDT
photos / BRENDA JANAIRO
Last week, Apogee Studio in Santa Monica, California turned into an intimate gathering of industry giants, fans, friends, and press (including Ladygunn). And it was all a part of KCRW’s Apogee Sessions series where KT Tunstall performed an acoustic set of new songs off of her album Invisible Empire // Crescent Moon for this individual session.
Tunstall is a natural storyteller, not only in song but in conversation as well. In between playing, she gave the audience a background of how the songs were written, providing anecdotes that are befitting of an individual with a wealth of experience to draw from. Learning that the standout “Waiting On The Heart” was written on a road trip through Arizona, it’s clear why a deserted feeling of loneliness and geography came through in the best way possible. Later while preluding into one of her older and rarely performed tracks, she joked to the audience on how with the help of Google, she was able to familiarize herself again with the lyrics to the song. But before the night was over, she performed a praiseworthy cover of Bruce Springsteenâs “State Trooper”, and in that moment, there was no question whatsoever that Tunstall is a badass (not that it ever was a question).
If you have yet to read our review of Tunstallâs remarkable new album Invisible Empire // Crescent Moon, it was featured as part of our five favorite albums that you need to hear for August. You can read it here.
Not only was it an honor and a pleasure to hear these songs performed live in LA for the first time, but it was an honor to be in Apogee Studio, the private recording studio of Apogee Electronics and renowned producer and mixer Bob Clearmountain. The musical genius has worked with The Rolling Stones, Paul McCartney, Bruce Springsteen, David Bowie, Tina Turner, The Cure, Simple Minds, Tori Amos, and the list goes on and on, making him a true legend in the business. While this was a private event, everyone else will be able to hear it during the broadcast of KCRW’s Morning Becomes Eclectic TOMORROW, Thursday, August 15th.
Tune in!
.
.