Coming out of New Jersey’s music scene, Erik Kase Romero is an artist who’s been sharing his unique sonic vision with the world since his debut single “KC” dropped last year. In a state brimming with iconic acts, Romero’s journey, beginning in high school bands, has seen him reach the echelons of esteemed recording engineers and producers.
His craftsmanship extends beyond the soundboard, linking with artists like Gaslight Anthem, The Bouncing Souls and even the pop star, Lorde. Notably, he’s woven himself into the fabric of The Front Bottoms, evolving from a collaborator to a full-fledged member with writing and production credits.
Yet, amid the clamour of a bustling schedule, Romero dives into his most intimate work, a solo project that sees him lay bare his soul. His influences blend elements of pop punk, the soulful warmth of country, folk and Americana and the raw vulnerability of emo.
His forthcoming debut record, titled how to be still and still be here, promises a profound exploration of his artistic output. Bringing us the first taste of the album, he shares the lead single “still,” a stunning display of his artistic authenticity and timeless songwriting panache.
“still” is a stirring composition layered with acoustic guitar riffs, piano flutters and a subtle, persistent percussion. The dynamic lead electric guitar weaves through the arrangement as Romero’s heartfelt vocals narrate a tale of self-exploration, an existential battle for solace amid life’s ebb and flow. The song crescendos into a poignant outro, an aural catharsis that resonates long after the final note fades.
Commenting on the single, he shares, “I wrote this song longer ago than most songs on the record. In a practical way, I was frustrated with my own songwriting and wanted to challenge myself to make a song that never deviated from the same chord progression. Still ended up being the result of that. I think in the cracks of the simplicity, harmonically, it forced me to try and use melody and lyrics to communicate in ways that I often rely on other elements of songwriting to do. Lyrically it’s a song about unpacking who I am both ancestrally and personally. It’s a song about the struggle of being present.”
As fall’s transformative embrace envelops New Jersey, Romero’s “still” emerges as a sonic companion, echoing the pensive mood of the season. Romero’s debut full-length endeavour promises to be a profound musical journey and we can’t wait to see what the album has in store.
On his upcoming record, he offers, “This record really feels like a documentation of a particular moment in my career and life. It’s a product of examination, healing, and self-awareness. The last year has been transformative, and this music reflects the echoes of a profoundly traumatic moment in American history.”
Listen to still below
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