A local musician is celebrating the release of his first album this weekend, and a concert marking the occasion has already sold out.
Kaleb Cecil, a Nelson County High School graduate and native of Chaplin, is releasing a six-song album titled “Tattoos” on Saturday. The album will be released to all major music streaming platforms, and acoustic versions of three of Cecil’s songs can be previewed for free at soundcloud.com.
“This is one of the most fulfilling things I have ever done in my life, to express myself in my songs and to get them produced,” Cecil said.
“Tattoos” is Cecil’s first studio album and something he has been working on since July.
“I have a full-time job now, plus the music, but I would go to Nashville just about every weekend to work on it,” he said.
Cecil is working with producer Malcolm Springer at House of Blues Studio.
“He is a fantastic producer,” he said.
While the album is a new experience for Cecil, the young musician has gained notoriety over the years, developing a growing fan base that draws a crowd at shows. Cecil has both opened for and performed with other well-known artists and has grown his performances to larger stages. In June, Cecil and his bandmates were among those invited to perform for the annual Bourbon City Street Concert in Bardstown, and in September, Cecil was the Saturday night headliner for The Kentucky Bourbon Festival.
Both of those events incorporated various artists with ties to Bardstown and Nelson County, which is something Cecil is happy to see.
“It’s the coolest thing in the world to support local music,” he said. “Whether you like my type or not, go out and support the local guys. It’s a rarity nowadays.”
Cecil took his inspiration, growing up, from his great-grandfather “Pappy Cecil,” who played bluegrass music. It wasn’t until he was a teenager, around 15 or 16, however, that Cecil started playing guitar and writing songs of his own. As his hobby has grown to something more over the years, Cecil has come to realize just how much he loves to play.
“Music has always been something I enjoy so much and I just want to keep doing it,” he said. “I don’t know how to not do music, and I really have a passion for it. I would do it if I made $1,000 or $1 because I don’t feel like me without it.”
As for his industry influences, Cecil said he is a big fan of singer-songwriters, like Chris Stapleton, and he writes a lot of his own songs as well.
“I usually write about something personal,” he said. “All of them having something significant, with stories about me.”
When asked about the title of his new album, which includes songs written by Cecil and friend Kyle Williamson, Cecil said “Tattoos” is inspired by a past relationship.
“Tattoos are a big part of how I express myself,” he said. “This song is about a past relationship and a tattoo plays a big part in that relationship.”
Cecil is putting on a concert Saturday night at Preservation Distillery in Bardstown to celebrate the release. Also performing at the concert are Jacob Downs and Andrew Newton.
Those unable to attend Saturday’s concert can still check out Cecil’s music on streaming platforms. Cecil also plays shows frequently at Merle’s Whiskey Kitchen in Louisville and has played locally at Mammy’s Kitchen among other venues. Fans can follow Cecil on social media @KalebCecilMusic for updates on performances.
