Absolutely, that’s one of the joys of making albums. Each one marks a specific time in my life. It’s fun to look back and reflect on who I was and how I’ve grown as an artist.
To me it represents being open to life’s mysteries. This album was written during lockdown and being at home every day with my then two-year-old daughter really changed me. By watching her discover the world, I was in many ways rediscovering it. The way she stops to look at an oak leaf in the grass—to her, this thing of infinite wonder—is how I’ve learned to look at my entire existence: a thing of infinite wonder. This world and our place in it is bigger than we’ll ever understand. That used to scare me, but I’ve learned to take comfort in its mysteries.
They’re my everything, so naturally they’re either in or between the lines of every song. The songs “The Whole World Is Burning”, “New Valentine” (which features the voice of my wife Aly) and “What Loves You Back” exemplify their influence the most. Our daughter is showing a strong ability and interest in singing, so maybe one day we can get her on a song!
This is a very special place to our family. It’s where I proposed to my wife, and it’s become our go-to spot when we need to get out and take a breath and explore. My daughter loves the book walk, visiting the owls and frogs, and playing in the children’s garden. We feel so lucky to have it in our community.
While I am proud to be an American, this song finds me at odds with what it means to be an American these days. Our national identity has become so fractured, there’s no longer a unifying vision to rally around. I’m hopeful we’ll find our way, but as it is, who we are and what we value is very much in a state of oblivion.
That would all depend on the deal, I suppose! But so much of what sustains an artist’s career comes down to touring, and I just couldn’t imagine being away from my family for long periods of time. That’s just not a life I want for myself. That said, my music is more than just a hobby, too. I very much consider it my life’s work.
I would love to duet with Lana Del Rey. She’s a fascinating artist with such a singular sound and body of work.
Young me wouldn’t want to hear anything rational about balancing music with family life! So, I’d just tell him to stay the course. It will all work out the way it’s supposed to.
I’m already a few songs into the next album, so I’m going to devote my time to getting that done. But I’m also interested in working with other songwriters to help them develop their songs. Maybe through co-writing or teaching, that would be a lot of fun for me.
To learn more, visit kevinandrewprchal.com
Barrington’s White House cultural events for July offer art and music to enjoy. To register for free events, or purchase tickets for events as noted below, visit barringtonswhitehouse.com/events.
July 4 @ 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Free–Registration Preferred
Back by popular demand! Acclaimed bluegrass multi-instrumentalist Chris Walz and his Bluegrass Boys join us once again after the Village of Barrington Fourth of July Parade–only this year, you can enjoy them in our 3rd Floor Ballroom!
July 17 @ 3 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Free–Registration Preferred
A nationally acclaimed artist brings his life’s work to Barrington’s White House aiming to inspire and educate. Mort Luby paints watercolors and oils in his Dundee studio and in his part-time home on Maui and began his full-time art career 20 years ago after retiring as CEO of Luby Publishing.
July 21 @ 6 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
$20 Per Person
Steve Puttrich is a unique combination of award-winning artist in oil and watercolor and an inspiring and successful instructor. During this 90-minute hands-on class, you’ll learn at your own pace in building skills and mastery.
July 29 @ 7:30 p.m. – 9 p.m.
$30 Per Person
Barrington-native Stephanie Block (viola) returns by popular demand to Barrington’s White House with fellow musician Clare Longendyke (piano). Violist Stephanie Block has performed internationally as a soloist, chamber musician, and orchestral musician. Pianist Clare Longendyke’s dazzling musicianship and colorful interpretations delight audiences wherever she performs.
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