Paula Kelley (Drop Nineteens) Announces New Solo Album & Song Release

Paula Kelley Announces First solo Album in Two Decades, “Blinking as the starlight Burns Out”

After a celebrated reunion with her band Drop ⁤Nineteens, ⁣Paula Kelley is embarking on a new chapter with the declaration of her first solo album in 20 years. Blinking as the ‍Starlight Burns Out arrives March 27th via Wharf Cat Records, promising a deeply personal and sonically rich experience for listeners.

This forthcoming release⁤ marks Kelley’s fourth solo effort, following 2006’s Some Sucker’s Life, Part 1: Demos and Lost Recordings. However,it represents a significant ⁤evolution in her artistry,drawing on both her established strengths and a newfound ⁤exploration of pop⁢ sensibilities.

A journey Through Sound and Sobriety

The album’s creation coincided with Kelley’s journey toward sobriety, a process that profoundly shaped its emotional core. Spanning 11 tracks, Blinking as the Starlight Burns Out ⁤ is a testament to resilience and self-discovery. You’ll find a blend of familiar shoegaze textures alongside the introspective qualities of slowcore.

kelley’s background as an arranger and ⁣co-writer for studio sessions and indie film soundtracks shines through, adding layers of ‍depth and nuance to the music. This experience informs the album’s expansive soundscapes and intricate arrangements.

“Party Line” -⁣ A Glimpse into the Album’s World

Leading the⁤ charge is the single “Party line,” a track Kelley describes as “post-Cold War influenced.” It’s a captivating introduction to the album’s sonic landscape, showcasing her signature gauzy sound.

Here’s what Kelley shared about the song’s genesis: “When the song came to ⁢me it presented nearly fully formed: a pedaling bass line, a four part vocal harmony, an expansive soundscape.” She further explained that the ‍song ⁤felt as though it was ‍”writing itself,” a dreamy exploration of hopes, anxieties,⁢ and the process of reconciling with ⁣the past.

From Drop Nineteens to Solo Exploration

For those unfamiliar, Kelley first gained prominence as a founding member of the influential shoegaze band Drop Nineteens. The group disbanded⁣ in 1995 ‍but experienced ‍a remarkable resurgence in 2022.

Their 2023 comeback album, Hard Light, was met with critical acclaim, proving the enduring power of their sound. Drop⁣ Nineteens’ earlier work, Delaware, remains a ⁣cornerstone of the shoegaze genre, consistently appearing on “best of” lists.

Blinking as the Starlight Burns ⁣Out represents a compelling new chapter for Paula Kelley, offering a glimpse into her artistic evolution ⁤and personal journey. It’s an album that promises to resonate with both longtime fans and new listeners alike.