Folk Roots Radio Episode 491: feat. Mister K & More New Releases

On Episode 491 of Folk Roots Radio we chat to Kevin Roy from Manitoba about his new music project as cosmic balladeer Mister K, and upcoming album “In Event of Moon Disaster” – a musical journey through the highs and lows of a mental health struggle. In Event of Moon Disaster is a wonderful album and this is a great interview. We wrap up the hour with more of the new music that we’ve received, and this time around we hear from The Marrieds, William Kuklis, Harrow Fair, Simon Mayor and Jay Aymar. We also include a special tribute to the fabulous Nashville songwriter David Olney, who passed away suddenly last week during an in the round live performance at a showcasing event in Florida. Check out the full playlist below.

Interview

Kevin Roy Kratsch spent five years on the road as country folk singer-songwriter Kevin Roy before deciding to re-invent himself as folk-pop cosmic balladeer Mister K.

In Event Of Moon Disaster, his debut album as Mister K, is a musical journey through the highs and lows of a mental health struggle, and dealing with what Kevin describes as those Darker Days.

The album was produced by Rusty Matyas (The Sheepdogs, The Weakerthans, Imaginary Cities) who opened up about his own struggles with alcoholism – prior to entering rehab to prevent imminent liver failure.

Once Rusty was out of rehab, work started in earnest on the Mister K record, with the goal of creating an album that reflected on their mental health challenges, while at the same time remaining somewhat upbeat and optimistic. The two found support, inspiration, and empowerment while breathing life into these songs; a testament to the strength of healing through music and art.

“I basically told producer Rusty Matyas I wanted to make an album that sounds like Neil Young produced by George Martin – kind of like Neil Young meets Abbey Road, but done in a modern way. I almost feel kind of like I’ve come full circle. When I started writing music and playing music, it was the music of Neil Young and Tom Petty – and some of those songs I grew up on, and then I went off into this whole country thing, for a while.”

So far, there have been three singles released from In Event Of Moon Disaster: “Hundreds Of Dollars”, “Lonely One” and the latest, “Darker Days” – Kevin’s personal story and a song he hopes will be a conversation starter with respect to the importance of discussing mental health.

The new single is being released on January 29 to coincide with Bell Let’s Talk Day. The full album will arrive later this year.

For more information about the music of Mister K visit heyheymisterk.com.

Listen

You can listen to this episode again on Soundcloud by following the link below. You can also listen to episodes of Folk Roots Radio, on demand, via Apple Podcasts, Stitcher and Tune-in Radio. (Click on the highlighted link to reach your chosen platform.)

Playlist

Nicolas & The Iceni (Theme)
Lucy She Rises
Roll Right (2019, self)

The Marrieds
Lying Next To Me
Heavy Hearts (2019, Self) CDN

William Kuklis
Bruises
I’ll Be Alright (2019, Self) CDN

Harrow Fair
Sins We Made
Sins We Made (2020, Roaring Girl Records) CDN

Simon Mayor
Toss The Pancake
Winter With Mandolins (2001, Acoustic Records)

Mister K
Hundreds Of Dollars
(single) (2019, Self) CDN

Interview: Mister K discussing his music and forthcoming album “In The Event Of Moon Disaster”.

Mister K
Lonely One (Radio Edit)
(single) (2019, Self) CDN

Mister K
Darker Days (Demo)

David Olney
Jerusalem Tomorrow
The Stone (2012, Deadbeet Records)

David Olney
This Side Or The Other
This Side Or The Other (2018, Black Hen Music)

David Olney
The Moment I Tell You Goodbye
Dutchman’s Curve (2010, Deadbeet Records)

Jay Aymar
The Greatest Story Never Told (feat. Chloe Charles)
Your Perfect Matador (2020, Fallen Trees) CDN