Kulick 'Yelling in a Quiet Neighborhood': How alternative rock singer created deeply personal music amid pandemic
Kulick, the alternative rock singer-songwriter from Pennsylvania, recently dropped his debut solo record titled 'Yelling in a Quiet Neighborhood'. The record, which released worldwide on October 16 via ENCI Records, showcases themes of uncertainty, guilt, sadness, shame, love, remorse, and closure. A deeply personal collection of songs, it follows Kulick's successful single 'Rope', a track Kulick described as "a rollercoaster of wanting life to be the way it was before".
'Yelling in a Quiet Neighborhood' consists of nine songs and is a fast-paced rock album with some intensely creative material. We spoke to Kulick about his newest work and what's coming next. Excerpts from the interview:
What has the response to 'Yelling in a Quiet Neighborhood' been like?
"Overall it has been a great response. Everyone who is a fan of mine is reaching out to me about it, and I am getting some new fans from it as well."
What was the concept behind the album? Do you think it was properly conveyed?
"The concept took shape on its own as my life continued to be lived honestly. It's a break-up record, but it is deeper than that to me. I'm so happy with the outcome."
What does a rising artist do at a time when live events are nonexistent? Does it hamper the promotion of the album?
"I personally just write and record all the time. I am working closely with April Rose Gabrielli as well, who plays keys in the band and has her own solo project coming out soon, and we share the same studio space so it works out perfectly. I would say not playing shows affects the promotion of the new album obviously. We are all as artists trying to create content to supplement that, but nothing will ever replace live shows."
What are the challenges rock music faces currently?
"Music faces no challenges. You are free to create what you want and what you feel. Rock music, along with every other genre of music, faces the same challenge right now which is the pandemic."
How has growing up in a small town like Tamaqua, PA impacted your debut album?
"No, my hometown doesn't really affect my music at all. I left fairly young, and most of my fanbase is spread out throughout the United States."
What do you think about the current political scenario? Do you think Joe Biden's win can transform the nation?
"I think we are all lying to ourselves if we think one person drastically changes a country. I don't feel like we are really represented by either candidate. I also really think we should have more than two options when voting for the leader of our country. With that being said, yes I hope Biden can at least bring a little more unity."
Did working as an engineer at CBS Radio affect your songwriting? If yes, in what way?
"Absolutely. I started really writing pop radio songs when I worked there. I wanted to be on the radio and wanted to be able to write in that 3:30 format that we all know and love. There's something about getting an amazing song to fit simply and quickly in that structure that I just love and strive for."
What do you prefer, making music signed to a major label, or recording as an independent artist?
"They both are completely different vibes. I enjoy both honestly, as long as I am able to make the music I want."
Who are the artists that inspired you over the years? What are you listening to currently?
"I love some Tom Petty, Kings Of Leon, Born of Osiris, and The Story So Far, to name a few. I rarely try to listen to my own genre (whatever you may classify my genre as). Currently, I have been into listening to a lot of Kings of Leon, The Score, One Republic, and some random 1950's playlists to learn from those songs."