For Kevin Hartnell, the creative process has always involved a “vault,” a large backlog of music sitting in the archives, waiting for the right moment to surface. For any music producer who has been working for decades, this is a common reality.
In an effort to finally let these tracks see the light of day, I am actively working on releasing various new singles from different eras of my production history. Today, I am proud to present two distinct tracks that highlight very different sides of my catalog: “In Answer to ‘A'” and “Boiling Point.”
Kevin Hartnell on “In Answer to ‘A'”
“In Answer to ‘A'” has a long and winding history that spans nearly a quarter of a century. The original musical concept was written all the way back around 1999.
It was a time of experimentation, and while the core idea was strong, I was never quite satisfied with the initial interpretation. I felt limited by the technology I had at the time, and the sound in my head didn’t quite match what was coming out of the speakers.
In 2011, I revisited the composition. Armed with better tools and more experience, I created this specific version. It captures the mood I was originally aiming for, a blend of melodic introspection and structural complexity. However, despite being “finished” in 2011, it sat in limbo for another decade.
It was reviewed in 2021, abandoned yet again, until finally, this year, I decided it was time to bring it to the surface. Listening to it now, it serves as a time capsule. It bridges the gap between my early songwriting instincts and the modern production style that Kevin Hartnell listeners recognize today.
The Heat of “Boiling Point”
In stark contrast to the decades-long journey of the first track, “Boiling Point” is a much more recent creation. Originally produced in August of 2022, this track explores a more immediate, aggressive energy.
It was created during a burst of productivity but sat on the shelf for a short while as I focused on various other projects and label duties. The title “Boiling Point” reflects the tension within the track. It features driving rhythms and a sense of urgency that differs significantly from my older work.
Releasing it alongside an older track provides a fascinating look at the evolution of my sound. Where “In Answer to ‘A'” is calculated and evolved over years, “Boiling Point” is a snapshot of a specific, high-energy moment in the studio.
The Studio Workflow
Releasing archival music is an interesting challenge for any artist. There is always the temptation to “fix” old mixes or update sounds to modern standards. You often ask yourself if you should re-record the drums or update the synths.
However, with these Kevin Hartnell releases, the goal is to preserve the integrity of the time in which they were made. By clearing out the backlog, it clears mental space for future projects while allowing listeners to fill in the gaps of the artist’s discography. It is about honoring the past while clearing the path for the future.
Listen & Support
These tracks are now available for streaming and download. You can find more releases from my back catalog by visiting the Kevin Hartnell Discography.
To support the music directly, please consider purchasing the high-quality audio files via Bandcamp or adding them to your playlists on Spotify.
