Nashville is home to many people who dare to dream. We come from many different places, both in America and around the world. However, no one quite articulates this dream better than singer/songwriter Kenny Foster.
Foster transplanted to Nashville about 15 years ago from his hometown of Joplin, Missouri. Like many of us around this town, he took a leap into a long adventure that both challenged and inspired him. All he knew back then is that he wanted to make music, and that nobody had ever made it without taking that first step. The decision to leave everything he knew behind on a chance at music success was daunting to say the least. The fact was, however, he wasn’t going to grow as an artist in small town Missouri. He spends time explaining this part of his life on his website, which is absolutely worth the read for new artists, but sums up his point perfectly in one bold sentence.
“THE EFFORT TO BE, DO, CREATE, OR TRY ANYTHING IN THIS LIFE IS WORTH IT, REGARDLESS OF THE OUTCOME.”
“Deep Cuts From Kenny Foster”
Though he had no idea what would come from this decision, it would be the trials of this journey that eventually lead to the incredible album “Deep Cuts From Kenny Foster”, which was released in April of this year (2017). “Deep Cuts” offers a collection of songs that Kenny wrote with several different collaborators here in Nashville. It’s apparent that he has poured years of his heart and wisdom into this album. Songs such as “Hearts That Bend” and “The Good Ol’ Days” seem to be pulled strait from his personal journey. They’re performed with a nuance that takes you to where he’s been.
This sound, for me at least, is like Americana in its purist form. We are all travelers here, destined to make our way through life one way or another, and this is the spirit found inside “Deep Cuts”. With the melodic sounds of acoustic guitars, a real band and even a splash of dobro, Foster follows his wise words with the rustic sound of the American heartland.
It’s artists like Kenny Foster that show the independent spirit of Nashville’s singers and songwriters. It’s obvious Foster is well educated, and he knows how to resonate with his listeners on a deeper level. He’s a man that knows his path, even though it’s taken him on many twists and turns.
This depth of wisdom is something we admire at Nashville Unsigned, as we interact with so many artists’ journeys. Hell, we’re certainly on our own journey. Who knows what the future will bring? One thing is for sure, it isn’t bringing much if you aren’t putting work into the things you love.
Fore more on upcoming shows and releases from Kenny Foster, follow him on Facebook!
