Kelley Mickwee’s new album, Everything Beautiful, marks a notable return for her as her first solo project since 2014’s You Used to Live Here. Recorded at Church House Studios in Austin, TX, the album benefits from the expertise of producer and engineer David Boyle, known for his work with a diverse array of artists. Mickwee’s new release boasts a rich, rootsy sound infused with a heavy dose of soul, reminiscent of the classic Dusty Springfield vibes from Dusty in Memphis. The album features contributions from a stellar lineup of musicians who have worked with notable acts like the Black Pumas, Gary Clark Jr., and the Band of Heathens. Additionally, Will Sexton appears on three tracks, adding his signature flair and depth to the project.
Mickwee, a Memphis native, has long been a cherished figure in the Texas roots scene. Her career began with The Trishas and later saw her shine as a “Shiny Soul Sister” with Kevin Russell’s Shinyribs. Mickwee’s distinctive voice and talent have also graced numerous records by artists like Ray Wylie Hubbard, Charley Crockett, Silverado, Owen Temple, and Reckless Kelly, among others.
After spending five years with the Shinyribs, Mickwee felt it was time to focus on her own musical journey, leading to the creation of her new album, Everything Beautiful.
“It was fun to just be a goofball for awhile, but mostly I was so grateful for that experience because it definitely helped me become a better singer and performer, just pushing myself every night to match (fellow Shiny Soul Sister) Alice Spencer’s power and intensity — not to mention Kevin’s! But as much as I enjoyed the whole ride, at the end of the day I realized I finally wanted to get back to doing my own thing. And this time I was ready.”
Premiering exclusively on American Blues Scene is the video for “Joyful,” recorded live at the 8750 Festival in Red River, NM.
Her voice is equal parts tender and assertive, in such a way that recalls the vocal quality of Bonnie Raitt; Mickwee’s performance captures the same expressive nuance, warmth, controlled power, and bluesy edge, enhancing the song’s positive message. She tells us:
Colin Brooks and I wrote this one back in 2016 in Red River, New Mexico and we included it on our Birds of a Feather EP. I have been singing this one in my set ever since then and knew I wanted to record a version of my own. I love how it evolved on this album, with an added bridge and a key change that really makes it lift and shine.
It’s a song celebrating every little thing that goes into the making of the song of life, even the failures. I find that I play this song at the start of my set, because it feels comfortable. And it sets a tone. Like, we are gonna deep dive into some emotions here, but this is a song that represents all of life’s experiences, and we can make a joyful sound from the joy AND the pain.
I hope that resonates with the listener too. I’ll be forever grateful to Colin, who chose me to help him write this song. In essence, it fell from the sky.
TOUR DATES:
# full band show
% solo show
FRI, 9/13 Kalorama Heights, DC – Lucky Penny Concert Series %
SAT, 9/14 Chester, MD – Macum Creek Concerts %
SUN, 9/15 Fruitland, MD – Delmarvalous Americana Concerts %
MON, 9/16 Annapolis, MD – 49 West (Kelley Mickwee and Mark Douglas Berardo)
THU, 9/19 Nashville, TN – The Nations Bar (Torrez Music Group AmericanaFest Day Party), 2:30 pm
FRI, 9/20 Nashville, TN – Bowery Vault (East Coast Social Club AmericanaFest Day Party), 2 pm
FRI, 9/20 Nashville, TN – Basement East “Tribute to 1974,” 8 pm
SAT, 9/21 Nashville, TN – Fitting Room Studio, 4:30 pm
FRI, 9/27 Austin, TX – Waterloo Records In-store #
SAT, 9/28 Austin, TX – The State Theatre album release show #
THU, 10/03 San Antonio, TX – Sam’s Burger Joint #
FRI, 10/04 Waco, TX – Texas Music Cafe #
SAT, 10/05 Dallas, TX – Poor David’s Pub #
THU, 11/07 Clarksdale, MS – Jason Eady’s Way Down in Mississippi Fest 2024
