Kevin Rumley’s recent EP ‘VI’ was a startling debut. In an exploration of triumph over adversity, Kevin Rumley communicates his inspirational life story through these songs, painting a musical picture and capturing each feeling. And what a story it is. On the 7th of April 2004, whilst serving on the Syrian border in the Marines, Rumley was struck by an IED. Claiming the lives of his close friends and nearly his own, this date became an important anniversary. Twenty years later, Kevin Rumley released his captivating debut EP ‘VI’ on this same date. Through his journey of recovery, Kevin Rumley used music as a tool for healing, finding community, and processing events of the past.
Whilst being a drummer for lots of artists and bands around North Carolina (including Band of Horses’ own Tyler Ramsey, Bandazian, Wildebeest, and Electric Owls), Kevin has been stockpiling an immense discography of his own. Now, stepping into the spotlight, Kevin shares his psychedelic, indie-rock sound with the world, marking an exciting milestone in his solo career.
‘VI’ is a six-track exploration of triumph over adversity, blending indie-rock, folk, and orchestral elements into a distinctly atmospheric sound. Yet the first thing to note is that Kevin Rumley doesn’t create songs, he creates feelings. Feelings bottled up into musical soundscapes. And beautiful ones at that. Kevin shares,
“My life, at the time, was in a state of great motion and change. But, VI was my reflective space. My attempt at making sense of life and love and loss. I partnered with many local musicians, my absolute heroes, to have these melodic “feelings” released. I don’t call them songs, so much as “feelings or emotional landscapes”. I had around 200 recordings, these are just the six that I chose to release for their cohesive energy.”
The first ‘feeling’, ‘Turn The Lights’ kicks off the EP with an airy, rock soundscape, setting the tone of introspection and hope that permeates the records. ‘Ohiopyle’ is an outstanding addition to this EP. The song progresses so inventively, with static synths and sweeping drones opening up like stage curtains onto the guitars. David McCinnes’ pedal steel guitar is a satisfying force in the soundscape here. It has a lighter feel than the other ‘feelings’, with Kevin’s vocal harmonies soaring up into the airy atmosphere. Listening through ‘VI’ it is quite astounding how well Kevin conjures up varying feelings and emotions in the different tracks. He’s sculpted unique atmospheres for each one, and they all stir up something different. It’s a captivating listen, from beginning to end.
For Kevin Rumley, releasing ‘VI’ is a moment of immense pride. “It is my proudest achievement. I’m proud to be in recovery to have received my Doctorate in Social Work… to have survived being blown up, homelessness, and loss. But my greatest joy is releasing music. Wild! I just can’t believe it, and I’m so proud to have the opportunity.”
Using his passion and love for music, Kevin Rumley works as a counselor to veterans, guiding them through their journeys of rehabilitation. Highlighting the therapeutic power of music in his work, Kevin shares,
“Music is everything. Seldom has music not been the connecting fabric between myself and veterans. Music can instantly calm the nervous system and allow for ventral vagal grounding. Music allows humans who are traumatized to access their neofrontal cortex. Music therapy is an evidence-based modality. My music making it into the VA Hospitals Ketamine Therapy playlist for PTSD is one of my greatest honors.”
It’s no doubt that Kevin will be on plenty more playlists with this stunning release. 
