Wil Kinky paid a visit to Luke and Teri on Wednesday’s, ‘Portland’s Playlist’ show. For those who say that young people today are afraid of hard work, they don’t know Wil Kinky. Still in his twenties, he must be one of the busiest musician’s in town, with a gig somewhere most nights of the week. Born and raised outside Portland on a blueberry farm near Cornelius, OR, hard work has always been a part of his life. He applies that same work ethic to his music, with a love and a passion for it that is tangible.

Starting off his session with the music that has influenced him, it’s as varied as the people he performs with. From Eagles of Death Metal, Alain Johannes, Keb Mo, to Tom Waits and everything in between, you get a sense of the bits and pieces he takes and puts into his own styling.

DSC_8549The second hour was devoted to Wil’s original material, performing three newer songs live. It was especially fun when he tuned his guitar to Etta James’, “I’d rather Go Blind.” While his self-titled album is coming up on three years old, he has plenty of new music waiting in the wings. He’s so busy, and prefers to let songs percolate a bit, that recording a new album is just waiting for the right moment. Not only does he have a busy performance schedule with his own music, he also collaborates with others. Current studio projects he’s part of are with Scott Deans, Julia Wild & Victoria Newbill, and Worth. He’s hoping the project with Julia and Victoria will be finished in 3-6 months. Current sideman projects are with Worth, The Prescription, and Keegan Smith.

Wil’s sound is like John Mayer meets Ray Lamontagne at a radio concert. It’s Blues, Soulful, with an Alternative edge. This cross genre ability makes for a variety of performance styles; soul and r&b with Vicki Porter, looped soul and hip hop rock with Devin McNichol, and back where he began, the 90’s hip hop r&b as, The Kinky Brothers, with buddies, Jermaine Malone and Jon VanCura. Whether he performs as a solo artist, duo, trio, or a full band, his is a show that delivers passion, music you can dance to, and soulful tunes; his own or covers that fit his smoky, yet smooth as silk voice perfectly.

DSC_8545

Along with the many shows he has coming up; he is especially excited to serve another week long music residency at McMenamin’s Al’s Den commencing on Valentine’s Day.

You can find Wil at:

https://soundcloud.com/wil_kinky89

https://www.cdbaby.com/cd/wilkink

https://www.facebook.com/Wil-Kinky-179764958766064/timeline

https://www.wilkinky.com

PRP
Latest posts by PRP (see all)