I mean, it’s that harmony. When you hear a duo that is really singing together–and by that I mean listening as much as anything else–it’s a special and unique sound. Swearingen & Kelli do just that and we are thrilled to premier their song, “Cold Hearted Truth,” the title track from their forthcoming record, which will be out in September.
When recording this album, Jayne Kelli says, “We wanted the audience to feel like they were right in the room with us.” Using analog technologies and playing mostly live, AJ Swearingen, says the goal was to “capture that 3D sound where you’re together in one room, focusing on the songs, and finding that human element.” Amen. Jayne adds, “Unlike our past albums, we wrote the majority of this record together, and this was the song that kicked it all off.”
It’s one of those songs that makes you stop what you’re doing, close your eyes, and just appreciate what you’re hearing. When Jayne comes in on that second line–it’s just perfect. One of my favorite aspects is the note they sing to end the second line of each verse. It creates this dynamic tension that is missing from so many songs and it makes you shiver. I don’t know what the musical term is for what they’re doing, but I know it’s beautiful and rare and that to describe it technically would somehow lessen its impact. The production decisions on this tune are so subtle and gorgeous: the bass played with a bow; the lilting pedal steel, and then when the tremolo on the violin comes in, it all just adds depth and texture to a beautiful song. AJ and Jayne said they were listening to a lot of Buddy and Julie Miller before writing this song, and playing versions of their songs, and you can certainly hear that influence. But they’ve made something all their own with their own signature approach, and it’s one that others would do well to emulate down the road.
