Kyle Motsinger’s latest single, “Bad Years,” is a masterpiece that transcends the barriers of genre and style, showcasing the artist’s versatility and undeniable talent. The alternative rock anthem is a theatrical song that features an all-star cast of talents from the New York theatre stage, including Broadway pit musicians Janey Choi, Conrad Harris, Mark Kosmala, and Joel Lambdin. Broadway’s Trisha Jeffrey and NYC actor Jason Pintar provide the background vocals, while NY Drama Desk nominee Mark Hartman plays the piano. Produced by Motsinger and engineered, mixed, and mastered by MP Kuo, “Bad Years” is a masterful composition that blends the raw energy of rock with the precision and finesse of theatre music.
At its core, “Bad Years” is a song about resilience, hope, and perseverance in adversity. Motsinger reflects on the long and arduous road he has travelled in pursuing his rock star dreams, acknowledging the daily obstacles he has had to overcome, from waking up to find his bank account overdrawn to promoting shows to only having one friend show up. Through his lyrics, Motsinger invites listeners into his world, sharing his personal struggles and triumphs and inspiring them to hold on and keep pushing through the hard times.
Motsinger’s vocals are exceptional throughout the song, conveying a wide range of emotions and moods easily. His voice is decisive and expressive, capable of capturing the raw intensity of rock and the delicate nuances of theatre music. The background vocals provided by Trisha Jeffrey and Jason Pintar add depth and texture to the song, enhancing the emotional impact of the lyrics and the music.
The instrumentation in “Bad Years” is nothing short of spectacular, with each instrument adding a unique dimension to the song. The piano, played by Mark Hartman, is the song's backbone, providing a solid foundation for the other instruments to build upon. The guitars, played by Adam Stoler, are raw and gritty, adding a sense of urgency and intensity to the song. The drums, played by Zachary Eldridge, are powerful and dynamic, driving the song forward and adding a sense of momentum to the music.
Some stand-out aspect of “Bad Years” is the way in which it seamlessly blends different genres and styles. The song draws on elements of alternative rock, theatre music, and pop, creating a unique and distinctive sound entirely Motsinger’s own. The result is a song that defies categorization, appealing to a broad and diverse audience of music lovers.
“Bad Years” is a graceful song that showcases Kyle Motsinger’s undeniable talent as a singer, songwriter, and musician. The song's soul-building lyrics, stunning vocals, and exceptional instrumentation are a testament to Motsinger’s creativity and passion for music. Whether you’re a rock, theatre music, or pop fan, “Bad Years” is a song that captivates and inspires you.
Do yourself a favour and check this one out. Available on all platforms.
Welcome to BuzzMusic, Kyle, and congratulations on your latest achievement, “Bad Years.” In the song, you reflect on your challenges in pursuing your musical dreams. Can you elaborate on the specific challenges?
I think it all comes down to money. I’m independent, so I don’t have a big record label behind me. I have to pay for everything from studio time to publicity. If I didn’t have to worry about rent and food every month on top of my music, it would help me greatly!
How did your personal experiences shape the song's creation?
I’m the kind of songwriter who likes to record life. Sometimes life is fun, and sometimes it’s tough. So I am writing about all of it. I'm afraid the last few years have been more of the latter. There have been beautiful moments, but the weight of a pandemic, politics, and my own financial struggles has been a lot. I had to put it into a song.
How did you balance the emotions of frustration and hopefulness in the song?
There is a place for songs about recording frustration, fear, and loss. There are a few like that on the upcoming album. But this song needed hope. I needed hope. I think everyone needs a little right now!
You have a background in musical theatre and have performed in Off-Broadway productions. How does your experience in theatre influence your approach to writing and performing alternative rock music, as seen in "Bad Years?"
I always joke that you can take the boy out of the musical theatre, but you can’t take the musical theatre out of the boy! I have a theatrical voice for better or for worse. I grew up with 90s music like Red Hot Chili Peppers and R.E.M. I also grew up listening to Disney and Broadway. It all soaked in and creeps into my writing whether I want it to or not. I think it makes it more interesting, though!
Your upcoming album features songs that explore life's struggles and finding joy in conflict. How does this song fit into the larger themes and message of the album? Can you give us a sneak peek into what other topics or experiences you explore on the album?
“Bad Years” is definitely a culmination of a section of the album dealing with topics like imposter syndrome, depression, and self-sabotage. It’s not the title track but a significant track on the album. The album has some fun tracks, so it’s not all doom and gloom!
What was it like collaborating with such diverse artists on“Bad Years?" How did their contributions enhance the overall sound and message of the song?
Collaborating is my favourite part! Everyone brought their A-game to this song. I love to let each musician and singer add their style to it. It ultimately became all of us wishing that the bad years would soon be behind us. They got behind that message!
You have released two full-length albums and several singles before "Bad Years." How does this song differ from your previous works, and what new elements do you hope to bring to your audience with future releases?
I wanted to take the production to the next level for this song and all songs on the album. That includes recording in beautiful studios and working with the best! I also think my writing has gotten stronger. So I hope my music continues to get better and better with each new song and album!