Arlo McKinley will be making a huge splash on the music scene with his debut solo album “Die Midwestern” on Oh Boy Records, the label from the late John Prine.  Oh Boy Records is notorious for signing great songwriters. The album is produced by Matt Ross-Spang and recorded at Memphis’ legendary Sam Phillips Recording Service. Arlo is the final artist John Prine and his son Jody signed together to the label before the death of John Prine in April this year. 

Arlo McKinleyArlo McKinley has a classic folk/country/rock sound that may prove to be timeless.  The album’s overall sound is that of classic country music without a twangy guitar and interesting lyrics draw the listener in. McKinley is an experienced musician at the age of 40 meaning he is just old enough to make the new “Die Midwestern” but, young enough for us to see the possibility of a long career putting out great music.  

“Die Midwestern as an album is a period of my life documented through songs. It’s about life, love, loss, regret and hope.” -Arlo McKinley

There are 10 songs on “Die Midwestern” each with its strengths in the edgy vocals.  The first single off the album is “Walking Shoes” which is a great song about leaving something behind with the hopes of a better life.  The violin in this song gives a deeper and more intense feeling of love and sadness.   

My personal favorite off this album is “Bag of Pills” which seems to be about drug addiction but, it also seems to be about more generalized struggles and overcoming them. With lyrics like “Life, I don’t want it if it’s so easy to die” the poetic and heavy feel to this song also seems to talk about nothing having to do with me and everything all at the same time.

-Jessica Frey