Tracknotes
Embleton Has Only Just Begun
"It Did Me Well" was tracked/mixed by John Findley. The hammond and keyboard parts by Ron Flack at Realgrey RecordsThere’s a fair amount of spirituality that creeps into the songs of Embleton. Not so explicit that it would turn away those less inclined to religion or its ilk, but subtle enough to draw your attention, if only for a moment, to something beyond this life.
We as humans are all looking for the same things--love, acceptance, purpose, wholeness. These are topics that surface in most of my songs”. Either way, this song in particular speaks of a deeper love than what this world is known for; and, I would still classify that as “spiritual"
I’ve been listening to his song, “Only Just Begun”, over and over again tonight, trying to decide what it’s about. Is it a declaration of commitment addressed to a girl? Or is it a glimpse into the heart of God and His unwavering promises? Embleton can be rather cryptic at times when talking about his themes, probably allowing the music to speak for itself. He does say, “We as humans are all looking for the same things--love, acceptance, purpose, wholeness. These are topics that surface in most of my songs”. Either way, this song in particular speaks of a deeper love than what this world is known for; and, I would still classify that as “spiritual”.
Embleton’s been writing songs for a while now. In college, he and his band, A Minor Bird, were on the verge of national recognition when the foursome decided to disband. Over the band’s short lifespan, the group’s sound quickly evolved from radio-friendly pop-rock anthems to more intricate, Beatles-esque arrangements that began to hint at the veering directions each member wanted to move in.
It’s interesting to see where Embleton has come since then. His old songs seemed to reflect an adolescent-like spirituality (in the best Biblical sense): an outlook of wonder and curiosity; a complete trust in the Maker. But though there is still wonder and curiosity and trust, things are a bit messier for the wanderers of Kevin’s stories these days. He’s no longer the free-spirited college kid. He’s the responsible husband who has seen a little wear and tear in the world. He says that nowadays, when it comes to writing songs, “I’m trying to be more honest”. Embleton’s found a freedom in disregarding expectations and following the muses of his heart. He doesn’t will his songs into existence. He plays for fun, and if something emerges from those unknown regions of the soul…a struggle, a plea, a praise…he runs with it.
Though he leads worship every other week in downtown Canton, and plays locally every once in awhile, Embelton hasn’t released much in the last few years. But he’s been busy writing, and discovering his own identify as a solo artist. Lately, he’s been recording with a number of local producers and musicians, hoping to maybe release an EP in the near future that will set the stage for a full length album soon after. What it will ultimately look like is still uncertain. It all depends on what sort of universal longings of the heart strike without warning in those moments of praise and fun.
Embleton Website
Photo by: Nate Cantleberry
