LA Music Review | Art, stories and advice
Fresh, genuine, and totally empowering!
Hi The Close, welcome back to LA Music Review! Tell us a little bit about you and your music.
The Close is a collective of introspective lyricists, composed of Shannon Walker, Lori J. Rowton, and James McKinney, known for their genre-blending melodies and stellar harmonies. Each member is not only a songwriter but also a musician and lead vocalist. Their music first gained attention with the release of their EP Hello Heart in 2019. Since then, they have been compared to as ‘a mesmerizing wall of sound coming straight at you’ with their harmonies and captivating live performances.
The Close embraces a blend of musical styles, staying true to their roots with influences from contemporary folk, roots, and country, with a pop sensibility, all skillfully showcased through their vocal capabilities. This unique blend allows them to create a sound that is both familiar and fresh, appealing to a wide range of listeners.
One of the defining characteristics of The Close is their ability to establish an intimate connection with their audience. Their live performances are not only dynamic but also deeply personal, creating a sense of closeness between the artists and the listeners. This musical connection evokes emotions and creates a profound impact on their audiences.
Start streaming “Orbit” here:
Congrats on the release! What was your inspiration when you were writing this project?
Released on October 27, 2023. Indie-Americana vocal band The Close releases their 10-song album Orbit, with the focus track and music video “Living It Right.”
This album is about moving forward with boldness until one finds a sense of harmony or balance in both life and matters of the heart.
What lessons would you like to impart with your audience?
The album encapsulates a powerful message of self-empowerment and reaching a state of fulfillment. The Close says, “It is a call to action to get your life together and boldly go forward until you gain your perfect balance or orbit in life and love. This album is for people who have come to the realization that it’s time to shut your mouth, get yourself together and go do it!” Throughout the project, the range of songs touches on various parts of a journey, from introspective ballads that delve into self-reflection to more energetic songs that convey a sense of determination and forward momentum.
What is your favorite part of this body of work?
Orbit is a pivotal transition for the trio as they venture into the full production and creativity of personal growth, self-discovery, and authenticity. “We made this album like they used to be made, and we did it 100% ourselves and wanted it to reflect that the product we’ve created is truly the sum of our parts. We spent a lot of time selecting which songs to put together and in which order they should be placed. It’s meant to take you on a journey—a musical roller-coaster. A lot of thought was put into taking songs from different parts and pieces of our lives with the recurring themes of being seen and living boldly. From ‘Coming to Break Your Heart,’ ‘Orbit,’ ‘Living It Right,’ ‘This Life,’ ‘Can’t Control It,’ ‘Superstar’,’ You Can’t See Me’, there is a recurring theme,” says The Close.
Upcoming events?
The trio continues to play full band and acoustic shows year-round.
Connect with The Close
