EP
“Where Did We Begin” Release date 11.15.19
Biography
In Columbia, South Carolina, former Baumer members Kenny McWilliams and Chad Rochester, along with former NEEDTOBREATHE drummer, Joe Stillwell, have a new project named “Real Work.” The first self-titled EP was released on July 13th with successful regional shows in support. They have just released the first single off their next EP, “Safe Place”.
While McWilliams has long been a part of the Carolina music scene, producing and recording a large variety of regional and national bands (AllGetOut, Valley Maker) at Archer Avenue Studio, Real Work will be his first time fronting a band. Crafted over the past two years and initially conceptualized as a duo, McWilliams and Rochester quickly realized the project needed more. They enlisted the help of Stillwell, who was eager to get involved after hearing early demos, along with Christian Tyler and Brewer Eberly.
Influenced by Bon Iver, The National, Radiohead, and The Cold War Kids, Real Work is a powerful blend of conscious song writing, high-energy musical moments, and confident on-stage chemistry. Even as the songs lean toward indie rock, there is a maturity in their restraint. Indeed, the content of the lyrics gives insight into the tension between art and family at the center of their lives.
“Their first single “Numb Mind” grabs you from the opening verse and takes you on a masterful journey of songwriting and musicianship. This is everything you could ever ask for out of an Indie rock band in 2018 and we are thrilled to listen to it again and again.”
“Indie Rock at heart, Real Work leans towards big hooks, and carefully curated song structures. It helps that each member has deep roots in music and song composition, with this project they stay focused on personal lyrics about life, family, and the balance of art in that structure.”
“But hearing [McWilliams] sing his new songs leaves no doubt that Real Work is something intensely personal and bigger than simply mucking around with rock guitars.”
“The hooks are big and dramatic without being self-indulgent or sacrificing earworm potential. ”
ARTIST INFORMATION:
LABEL: self-released
GENRE: indie rock
HOMETOWN: Columbia, SC
INFLUENCES: The National, Cold War Kids, Bon Iver
UPCOMING SHOWS
Contact: pierson@thepierson.com
