After self-releasing his debut album Arlo McKinley & The Lonesome Sound in 2014, Ohio-born country singer Arlo McKinley got his big break when John Prine came to one of his shows and signed him to his Oh Boy label. Die Midwestern, his 2020 LP released through Oh Boy, was received with critical acclaim due to its songs about life experiences, existential crises, and world-weariness.
Die Midwestern
Arlo McKinley’s debut album may contain songs full of life’s deepest lows, yet producer Matt Ross-Spang (Margo Price, Jason Isbell, and Amanda Shires) guides you along a carefully constructed journey with three-chord melodies, economical verse, and lyrics that hit home thanks to years of country bar karaoke experience lending them both melodic depth.
After years of performing DIY singer-songwriter shows, John Prine signed McKinley to his Oh Boy Records label last year in Nashville’s High Watt. Prine is not one to hand out praise lightly, and taking time out to sit with Kentucky native McKinley and give him this record deal says much about his faith in McKinley’s talents.
McKinley entered 2020 with momentum and plans for his upcoming album and tour, Die Midwestern. This album paints an honest yet moving portrait of human existence.
McKinley proves that great songwriters possess a fantastic ability to use relatable life moments in emotive lyrics that touch audiences directly. He delivers them with his distinctively plaintive yet expressive vocals, supported by a band of experienced musicians – recorded live in Memphis with Matt Ross-Spang, ensuring an organic feel while remaining highly polished production quality.
It’s the kind of record that will leave you thinking you have heard its songs before while still sounding fresh and contemporary today. Influenced by 1960s/’70s folk, country, and rock music from that era, its unmistakably appealing qualities will draw fans just like Margo Price or Jason Isbell have done before it, making this album essential listening for any country music enthusiast!
This Mess We’re In
Ohio alt-country artist Arlo McKinley is an exceptionally gifted singer-songwriter with an affinity for writing emotive lyrics, who released his debut LP at age 40 on John Prine’s Oh Boy Records. His life story is one of optimism and honesty – proof that great songs will eventually find their way to the right ears despite any challenges along the way.
McKinley released his third album, This Mess We’re In, in 2022 as the follow-up to Die Midwestern from 2020. Though its appeal may not be immediate or catchy like Die Midwestern’s songs were, It nonetheless delivers powerfully intimate tunes that will touch many listeners’ hearts.
After an influential release, you often gain an understanding of whether or not a songwriter has what it takes to sustain their success, and this appears to be the case with McKinley. With a new album set for release and positive praise from John Prine as his mentor, 2018 promises to be another big year for this young artist.
PJ Harvey and Thom Yorke come together for “This Mess We’re In,” the lead single off McKinley’s recent record by that name. Not an album for parties or celebratory anthems, but rather a collection of devastating dispatches from deepest valleys of depression and despair that McKinley himself has experienced directly; unashamedly expressing levels of misery he has experienced can foster empathy and camaraderie among those listening.
McKinley has long been recognized for his folk-rock and Americana influences; with this record, he truly embraces his country roots by using fiddles and other traditional instruments more prominently than on previous releases. Fans of both genres should not miss it! With tour stops planned in cities like Nashville, Tennessee, and Chicago, among many more, this is an opportunity to catch McKinley live at venues near you with ticket prices depending on location; premium seating may even be available for select shows, so make sure not to miss this incredible rising star live! Below is the list of tour stops, so reserve yours ASAP so you don’t miss it!
Live in the Park
Seeing Arlo McKinley perform live is an unforgettable experience. Her unique blend of Country and Folk music draws fans of all ages into the concert. You can buy tickets now, with front-row seats providing an immersive musical experience.
Arlo McKinley of Ohio released his 2020 LP Die Midwestern on John Prine’s Oh Boy Records after nearly giving up music; his tale is one of optimism and honesty. A talented vocalist-songwriter himself, Arlo will soon debut some brand new material this summer during performances at various US festivals.
Peoria, Illinois’ Blues Festival; Bristol, Tennessee’s Rhythm & Roots Festival; Cumberland Mountain Fall Festival in Cumberland Mountain National Forest; and Healing Appalachia Fest will all host appearances before making an appearance at Baby’s All Right in Brooklyn. He will also make stops at intimate venues like Stuarts Opera House in NYC and Columbia, Missouri’s Historic Rose Music Hall, for personal appearances.
Vivid Seats offers Arlo McKinley tickets that fit every budget, with tickets typically costing under $100 for general seating, while premium seating may range up to $200 or more – offering floor or front-row views that provide a truly unforgettable musical experience.
When purchasing tickets to an Arlo McKinley concert, keep in mind that VIP packages may be available and may incur additional fees and processing time. At Vivid Seats, your purchase is safe and secure with our 100% Buyer Guarantee and 4.6/5.0 customer ratings, ensuring peace of mind when shopping at Vivid Seats.
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Tour Dates
With his upcoming tour following the release of his latest album, Cincinnati-bred troubadour Arlo McKinley will give audiences plenty of chances to witness him live. McKinley is known for writing emotive songs with relatable lyrics; his most recent record provides an unflinching account of sorrow and despair found throughout life – something McKinley manages with grace, providing audiences with hope throughout. His performances will surely touch listeners throughout the country!
The band’s sound is equally as impressive as their story of survival and triumph. Their musical styles span from hillbilly twangs like “Bag of Pills” to country folk ballads such as the title track, “This Mess We’re In.” Each track exudes emotional honesty – you can’t help but be moved by them all!
Since their successful debut, this band has continued to make waves in music. They have performed at several major festivals – Bristol Rhythm and Roots Festival, Cumberland Mountain Fall Festival, and Healing Appalachia Fest are just three – as well as sold-out shows in Nashville itself.
The band has made it clear they intend to stay, touring this fall in support of their latest album. Their shows will range from small venues to larger concert halls, but fans should expect an energetic performance with lots of singing and banjo playing.
Tickets to see Arlo McKinley live start from just $N/A, with Vivid Seats offering a selection of seating in every section, including center section tickets as well as front-row tickets.
Arlo McKinley last performed at Nashville’s High Watt. At that point in his career, he had spent several years performing independently before signing to John Prine’s Oh Boy Records for his 2020 LP Die Midwestern. It proved an instantaneous hit, while This Mess We’re In has established him as a powerful voice within American country music.
