Tobacco Brown's Anytime- An Anthem of Perseverance.
Photo by Maddy Cristall
Article and Interview and Rachael Ransom
Tobacco Brown’s new album “Anytime” is an anthem of perseverance. It takes its listeners on a journey of self-discovery, reflection, and growth.
I had the pleasure of speaking with Kevin Schell, Tobacco Brown himself. During the interview, I asked him to tell me about the song he was most lyrically proud of, which to a songwriter can sometimes feel the same as asking a parent who their favourite child is. Kevin took a moment to think about it, and humbly answered “Work Shy.” I asked him why that song stuck out to him and he told me that a friend of his heard it and it reminded them of growing up in the valley. Kevin said, “that means I've done my job… It's not just about writing a song for me. I mean, you know if that happens, great. But I'm now at a point where I want to write stuff that can transport people.”
“that means I’ve done my job… It’s not just about writing a song for me. I mean, you know if that happens, great. But I’m now at a point where I want to write stuff that can transport people.” ”
To Kevin, music is all about transporting his listeners to a specific time and place. He finds great value in knowing his work has made meaning for others. The soft, soulful sounds of this album reminded me of Jack Johnson. Free flowing melodies and catchy riffs and are met with lyrics that are personal, and introspective.
Listening to the album, I couldn’t help but be curious about its name. To me, the word anytime, is rooted in possibility, in hope, in opportunity. The word itself fills me with ideas of what could be. When I brought this up to Kevin, he responded eloquently that the album’s title came from the fact that “there’s never a bad time to make art.” I took a pause here in our conversation,
taking in the deeper meaning behind Kevin’s brilliant sentiment.
It is a known trope that some of the best art has been made under circumstances of both great duress, and moments of immense triumph. Hearing Kevin openly express it in the way he did, made me realize that art is a constant companion. It lingers even when its pushed away, when there’s resistance or doubt. Then, as time passes, as experiences are had, and many melodies are made, those feelings are met with resilience, passion, and drive.
Whether you’re seeing Tobacco Brown on stage telling stories through music, or you have the pleasure of spending your Sunday afternoon diving into deep discussions of creative process and which 70s band you’d like to get to know on a more personal level, I promise you – you’ll be in for a treat every time.
Listen to Tobacco Brown’s Anytime here.