Steve Hartsoe’s latest indie album, “King of Small Talk” was released in the spring on digital platforms and CD.
The album’s second single, the bluesy, grooving “Your Time Now” was inspired by his wife Shannon’s resilience andfeatures a video by local filmmaker Alvin Sloan that encourages viewers/listeners to step out of their comfort zones and pursue what they really want to do in life. “I see you walkin,’ after midnight/I hear you talkin,’ something ain’t right/Because the life you chose, didn’t choose you, and now there’s no going back/Yeah the lies they told, did what they do/But look who’s laughing last.” The album’s first single “Ocracoke” (released March 25) is about the rugged island off North Carolina’s coast where legendary pirate Blackbeard hung around. Other standout tracks include the Stonesy alt-country “Polka Dots and Camo” and the jangly, Eagles-inspired “Splendor.”
Recording was done in home studios. Kevin McNoldy (Dave Matthews, Mary Chapin Carpenter) mixed and mastered the album at his Cphonic Studios in Raleigh. He also contributed vocal harmonies and keyboards. “King of Small Talk” is Hartsoe’s sixth solo album, following “Live at WHUP” (2021), “Gaslighted” (2020), “The Big Fix-Deluxe Edition” (2017), “The Big Fix” (2016), “Neo-Traditional” (2014).
Hartsoe has created a spirited Americana stew by blending blues, rock and folk in a manner that will engage and entertain you for years to come
Check out the latest from Steve on his website and socials below.
