INTERVIEW: Kenton Hall & The Necessary Measures

Kenton Hall, the former frontperson of UK band ist, has recently released his debut solo album Idiopath, a triple album consisting of 36 original songs. This is one part of a multimedia project that also includes Omniopath, an album featuring reinterpretations of the same 36 songs by other artists, and Videopath, a collection of 36 short films that will make up a feature-length video anthology in December.

With his debut album, delivered under his new artistic banner of Kenton Hall & The Necessary Measures, the artist delivers a dazzling alternative folk sound. His elegant vocals carry reflective lyricism via delicate melodies backed up by graceful arrangements of instrumentation.

From the very first track, “Keep It Simple”, Hall’s unique style of songwriting shines brightly, and throughout the album, Hall’s lyrics are introspective, poetic, and thought-provoking. His composition style is unique and serves as a reflection of his background as an author, while his musical prowess, both as a songwriter and a multi-instrumentalist, is on full display. The arrangements are intricate, and the instrumentation is varied and eclectic. Each song is a beautifully crafted piece of art that showcases Hall’s creativity and musical talent.

His debut record is a stunning album that showcases his original style and serves as the perfect release to make his full-length entrance. We caught up with Kenton Hall to find out more about his inspirations, his debut album and what he’s got lined up for the future. Check out our interview with Kenton Hall below.

What was your biggest highlight in 2022 as an artist?

Well, 2022 was the year we finally finished the album(s) so that was a good feeling. 72 tracks between the originals and arranging the other artists for the cover versions… written down, that looks quite impossible. So, I suppose, 2022 was the year of not letting reality get in our way.

How do you find working as a solo artist compared to your previous experience in a band?

Oh, it’s a very different experience. I mean, there are still some exceptional musicians taking part, including my old bandmates, but it’s not the same as getting in a room with a group and discovering the songs in the playing of them. The trade-off, I suppose, is being forced to make certain discoveries for yourself. I certainly played a lot more on this record than anything else I’ve ever done and explored a greater number of instruments. Some of which I could actually play. It’s also, for better or worse, being responsible for the overall vision of the piece. Exciting, but nerve-wracking.

How did you first get into making your own music?

I really don’t know. I’ve always – since I was little – had this weird reaction to art in that I almost immediately want to have a go. It’s not enough to simply partake. When books found me, I started to write. When films found me, I plotted to act and direct. When music found me, I knew I needed to learn to write songs. I began writing almost as soon as I started learning to play the guitar. Which, undoubtedly, has contributed to the eccentricity (the kind description) of my actual playing.

Which artist first made a lasting impression on you?

It’s songwriters first, always. And I’ve never really been tethered to my own era. It was probably Lennon & McCartney first, then Elvis Costello. Even the latter was a decade and half into their career by the time I was a teenager devouring music. Being Canadian, of course, there were also the artists that loomed large in our songwriting culture. The Tragically Hip, Spirit of the West, Barenaked Ladies, Bruce Cockburn, Sarah McLachlan…

Which artists do you draw most inspiration from today?

Elvis Costello is my favourite artist. The rest of the Top 1000 shifts from moment to moment, but he’s always at the top. Both for the incredible diversity of the songs and for his seemingly inexhaustible curiosity and passion about music in general. Being a devotee of his music means hearing about the other music he admires, which led me to blues, jazz, classical, opera, punk, folk…

How else do you find inspiration for your music?

I think I’ve been a writer for so long now that everything I experience or wonder about is filtered through my brain as a potential story, script or song. It’s how I figure out the world. I just hope when I release the result to the world that it’s engaging for others to listen to me figuring stuff out. That’s why I add choruses.

What would you say is the perfect setting for listeners to enjoy your sound?

On the whole, I try to make albums that you sit and listen to. Or walk about and listen to. It’s a world designed to live in for a bit. Which isn’t to say that its component parts are not suitable for dancing, shaking your fist at the sky, cruising down a lonely stretch of highway or pitching woo to a beloved. Because they totally are.

How did you find making your recent album ‘Idiopath’?

It was… intense. I hadn’t released a record for a long time. I hadn’t really written songs for a while; I’d been writing other things. It was always intended to be a lo-fi record with ambitions, recorded in home studios. Then the world closed down and it became a more solitary pursuit, flying tracks back and forth with my producers and other musicians via email. In the end, it suited the very personal nature of the songs, but I’ll probably make the next one in a more immediate fashion, in a room with other people.

What was the message you wanted to get across with this record?

In many ways, large chunks of the album are a letter to someone, saying all the things I don’t have the opportunity to say in the real world. In its diversions from that central story, it’s about growing up and taking responsibility for the flat-out bonkers way humans treat each other. I hope it’s a record that people can take to heart. Or wherever it is they take music these days. Cleveland?

What can listeners expect from your upcoming music?

The next record is written and is probably slightly more outward-looking than Idiopath. Although there remain a certain number of cris-de-coeur.

What artist have you been listening to most recently?

Elvis Costello’s The Boy Named If. Wet Leg. Fe Salamon. Kendrick Lamarr. Also, rediscovering some Canadian bands from my past like Northern Pikes. Oh, and Dua Lipa. And Bach. I like to mix things up.

What’s the main thing you want people to get out of listening to your music?

I’m a lyricist before anything else. I want people to be drawn into the story. And maybe see a reflection of their own. I’d quite like it if a couple of people swooned. Even if only to humour me.

What’s been your favourite live show so far?

Well, March 9th will be my first show with this record, at a rather groovy new acoustic event called the SoundHive social in Leicester, UK. Then it’s about putting a live band together to get out and play some shows in the Spring/Summer.

In the past, with ist, my previous band, we absolutely played some brilliant shows. Playing the Cavern in Liverpool was incredible. Guilfest, promoting our third album Toothpick Bridge. Many dark, sweaty nights, in many dark, sweaty venues.

Who would be 3 artists to headline your dream festival? And where would it be?

Elvis Costello and the Imposters, Mos Def and Aimee Mann.

Obviously, I want to play as well. I find it hard to enjoy watching live music if I don’t get a turn. And I’d hold it either in Glasgow, or within walking distance of my house. Definitely one of those two.

Do you have any advice for a new artist wanting to follow your footsteps?

Absolutely do not follow in my footsteps. I have no idea where I’m going, I just walk with purpose to confuse people. Be yourself, write music YOU want to listen to and surround yourself with people more talented than you are.

Finally, what do you have lined up for the rest of 2023?

Two albums to promote. Idiopath and its 36 songs and Omniopath, which is the songs reinterpreted by other artists. It’ll be a year of trying make sure the music gets heard. But we’ll also be working towards Videopath, which is a feature-length anthology of 36 music videos, covering every track on the album. I don’t appear to know when to stop. Listen and share, that’s all I can ask of folk.

Listen to Idiopath below