From California dreams to country rock: Kiefer Bahrich reveals the soul behind “That’s Alright” and his creative process. Read more!
1 – How would you describe your new song to someone who hasn’t heard it yet? What emotions do you want to convey?
I would describe my songs as songs of movement and nostalgia. They are country rock songs with a retro feel, inspired by the music of the 1970s southern California movement. The emotions I want people to feel especially are ones of energy. I want one to feel the movement and the flow of the songs, whether it inspires one to dance, to go drive, just to get out there and get going!
2 – What was the main inspiration for the song and how did it come about? Can you share any personal anecdotes or influences that guided you?
I was inspired by some tough times in my life to write the song “That’s Alright”. I was born with different health issues, my vocal issues causing me to have the unique voice I have today, but also issues causing me to be quite short. Teens can be mean, so as expected, high school was rough.
On a really bad day I came home and I went to sleep. I had a really strange dream, I saw this place, the California dream, and a girl from Pasadena reaching out and saying, hey it’s going to be ok. I woke up and the song “That’s Alright” was there. I wrote down the lyrics on a piece of paper. I imagined a drum beat like a train, moving forward.
3 – Which artists or experiences influenced your sound?
I was inspired by the southern California experience. I grew up on classic songs, and the california dream was definitely alive through my childhood. Growing up in Vancouver, the concept of a warmer place where the grass is greener seemed magical.
I really spent a lot of my life pining for a better place, wanting to get out. So when we took a road trip down to California, listening to the songs of the eagles down the coast, driving through the desert, swimming in the ocean, I kept this place in my heart when times got tough. This has inspired a lot of my music and my writing!
4 – Is there a particular moment related to the creation of the song that you remember with pleasure or satisfaction?
Waking up with it was very satisfying, almost magical. It felt like the song had always existed, I just was the messenger. I write all of my songs this way, it’s a strange but incredibly magic style of writing. Everytime it happens it leaves me with a satisfaction and a feeling of skill and purpose.
5 – What can we expect from the future? Do you have any news coming?
You can expect a lot more. This is just the beginning. I am always writing music and working to get it recorded. I can announce here that I have two songs I have begun working to finish writing. But expect to see my name on headlines in the future.
6 – What message would you like to give to those who follow you or discover you for the first time?
I would like those who discover me for the first time to hear this.
You’re discovering me ahead of the curve, before things blew up. Listen to my songs, stay for the vibes. I’m a multi-instrumentalist who just recorded and released his first EP, playing all the instruments and singing all the vocals.
This is a long time labour brought to life, enjoy it and take a dive into authentic music. Heart and soul is put into these songs. Thank you for taking the time to listen to me, and may our paths cross in the future!
