Cincinnati-based singer-songwriters Arlo McKinley almost gave up on music altogether before he caught the attention of the late John Prine. He not only caught his attention, Prine, along with his son Jody signed McKinley to his own label Oh Boy Records and endorsements don’t come much stronger than that.
McKinley’s musical influences are deeply rooted in street soul, country, punk, and gospel. His lyrics are described as stark and arresting in their honesty, which may come as no surprise considering Prine’s interest.
40-year-old McKinley is set to release his debut album Die Midwestern on 14 August on Oh Boy Records, the significance of which won’t be lost on anyone who has seen the output from the label which was founded in 1981 and includes releases by the likes of Kris Kristofferson, Dan Reeder, and Todd Snider, all of whom are gifted songwriters.
While it may have taken McKinley some time to reach this point of his musical journey, he sees the benefits of the timing. “I’m a little wiser in my ways and a 20 something me would’ve found a way to destroy the one dream that has stuck with me my entire life.”
Arlo is the last artist John Prine and his son Jody signed together to their label Oh Boy Records. Jody stated, “John was reserved in his praise for songwriters. I played him a couple of Arlo’s songs and he heard Bag Of Pills and said, “that’s a good song” which for him, was very high praise. He loved Arlo’s voice, this big guy with a sweet, soulful, gospel voice. He loved the dichotomy of the hard life lived, presented through such beautiful songs and John was very excited about the promise of the album’s release.”
McKinley added, “The feeling of knowing that a hero of mine took time out of his day to come see me perform is such an accomplishment in itself to me that if it all ended the next day and I found out music just wasn’t in the cards for me, I would’ve still considered everything I have done as a success”
Watch his video for the first single “Walking Shoes,” a powerful song about finding light in the darkness.
Discussing the song, McKinley stated, “I wrote this song about moving forward from the things that are keeping you from being free. Freeing yourself from bad relationships, making good out of all the bad things, giving and receiving forgiveness. It’s knowing there’s something better and taking the first steps on the journey to find it.”
McKinley almost missed his big break, which came when he was offered an opening slot for Tyler Childers. His now manager was trying to reach him to offer him an opening slot and Arlo initially dodged the persistent unknown caller. Since, McKinley has been humbly sharing stages with kindred musical spirits John Moreland, Jason Isbell, Justin Townes Earle.
Die Midwestern was recorded at Memphis’ legendary Sam Phillips Recording Service and was produced by GRAMMY award-winning Matt Ross-Spang along with an all-star Memphis band of Ken Coomer, David Smith, Will Sexton, Rick Steff, Jessie Munson and Reba Russell.
McKinley recorded ten remarkable songs – some dating back fifteen years – all penned with a weight, honesty and gritty-hope that comes from living in Cincinnati, the rustbelt city where his songs were born.
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Photo Credit: David McClister