Over my 26 years, I have idolized and found myself influenced by a number of writers, artists, and musicians. As I got older, I saw some of those influences and styles disappear from my own art. Yet, there are two very distinct influences whose writing styles are so ingrained into my own writing that I’d be a different writer without them. One of these aforementioned influences is local Chicago legend Tim Kinsella. For close to a decade, I’ve held his first band, Cap’n Jazz, in the highest regards, while subsequent Kinsella bands (Owls, Make Believe, Joan of Arc, etc.) have their own little corners of my heart.
Recently, Kinsella has collaborated with poet Marvin Tate and former Wilco drummer LeRoy Bach for a limited edition album, Tim Kinsella Sings the Songs of Marvin Tate by LeRoy Bach featuring Angel Olsen. For this series of songs, Kinsella sings poems written by Tate (with the occasional accompaniment from Olsen) over songs written and performed by Bach. What results is a completely collaborative effort showcasing the unity amongst singers, musicians, and writers.
The first song from the album, “Idolize” features Kinsella telling the story about a girl the narrator once idolized. Check it out below! Tim Kinsella Sings the Songs of Marvin Tate by LeRoy Bach featuring Angel Olsen will be available via Joyful Noise Recordings on December 3rd, 2013.