Kaela Sinclair

"Sun & Mirror has already caught the ears of fans in her Texas hometown, but her powerful sound is bound for bigger audiences." -PASTE MAGAZINE - PASTE MAGAZINE

The production was top notch, and the band, a collection of Denton’s best studio cats was great, but I expected that. The most pleasant surprise was the harmonic depth of the songs, the control and beauty of Kaela’s voice. In speaking to Kaela I was pleasantly surprised again by the thoughtfulness of the concepts behind the songs, each one tackling some aspect of her personal philosophy. - ART & SEEK | Track by Track with Paul Slavens

Nothing else released by a North Texas artist this year sounded quite like Kaela Sinclair’s debut LP. The Denton-based singer-songwriter brought not only well-written songs, but a clarity of vision (she scrapped initial sessions when dissatisfied with the results) and a sonic ambition that reached out of the speakers and refused to let go. Such an assured first showing sets a high bar, but there’s little doubt Sinclair will clear it.

FULL TEXT:

It’s a mark of what a tremendous year the North Texas music scene had that whittling this list down to just 10 began with over 30 albums and EPs.

And it was far from easy to narrow down that initial list — there were many, many fantastic efforts that, regrettably, just missed making the top 10 (seriously, I think there’s a nine-way tie for the number 11 spot).

But these are the 10 releases North Texas music fans should look back upon and cherish (or, if you’re unfamiliar with any of them, seek out immediately). The past 12 months have been extraordinarily productive in every genre and in every city. In a way, 2013 could be viewed as a period of serious foundation-laying, which only suggests compiling this list is going to get exponentially more difficult in the coming years.

Here are my top 10 local albums of 2013.

1. Kaela Sinclair, ‘Sun & Mirror’

Nothing else released by a North Texas artist this year sounded quite like Kaela Sinclair’s debut LP. The Denton-based singer-songwriter brought not only well-written songs, but a clarity of vision (she scrapped initial sessions when dissatisfied with the results) and a sonic ambition that reached out of the speakers and refused to let go. Such an assured first showing sets a high bar, but there’s little doubt Sinclair will clear it. ( Original review.)

2. Panic Volcanic, ‘Freak Fuzz’

Riveting from its first notes, Fort Worth trio Panic Volcanic (Ansley Dougherty, Chris Cole and Zach Tucker) delivered a roundhouse punch of a first record with Freak Fuzz. Splitting the difference between classic rock overtones and modern, down-n’-dirty blues-rock for a sound as timeless as it is fresh, this LP smolders like a wildfire, fueled by Doughtery’s sizzling, peerless vocals. Possibly the only record on this list best played at ear-bleeding volume. ( Original review.)

3. Midlake, ‘Antiphon’

For its fourth album, Midlake threw itself headlong into change. Not only was founding member and vocalist Tim Smith gone, so too were delicately rendered odes to wooded glens — in their place, with Eric Pulido stepping up to the mic and the band embracing a psychedelic vibe and streamlined songcraft, Midlake rose to the challenge of reinvention and, in the process, made one of the year’s most rewarding records. ( Original review.)

4. Cale Tyson, ‘High on Lonesome’

Although he hangs his hat in Nashville nowadays, Fort Worth-bred singer-songwriter Cale Tyson still carries the soul of classic Texas country music with him. His debut EP, which sounds like a dispatch from the early ‘50s, is a striking piece of work, and one which only impresses more with repeat listens. Modern country music doesn’t sound much like this, and Tyson’s willfulness is as admirable as his fidelity to his inspirations. “Is the flame burning low?” asks one track here. Tyson rebuts the query with every note of High on Lonesome. ( Original review.)

5. Peter Black, ‘Heads Many Hands’

Peter Black, likely known to most as the vocalist and songwriter for the Orbans, is no slouch on his own. His solo debut (the first half of which was released last year, with Black offering the second part this summer, as well as repackaging the EPs as a single LP) Heads Many Hands is rife with mesmerizing tunes — just try dislodging Soon, Monsters or I Don’t Care from your brain — and a sumptuously produced showcase for one of the state’s best tunesmiths. ( Original review.)

6. Daniel Markham, ‘Ruined My Life’

Denton troubadour Daniel Markham’s fifth full-length album, Ruined My Life, is so effortless as to be breathtaking. From the brooding melodies to the razor sharp (and, often, dryly funny) lyrics, Markham, assisted by Grady Don Sandlin and Tony Ferraro, makes rock n’ roll meant to make you think as it leaves a bruise. ( Original review.)

7. Quaker City Night Hawks, ‘Honcho’

One of Fort Worth’s A-list outfits, the Quaker City Night Hawks fellas keep moving forward with the momentum of a runaway freight train. An airtight foursome that’s one of the top live acts in North Texas, QCNH reinforces its reputation for rough-and-tumble rock smeared with blues, country and soul with a sophomore effort that comes a hair’s breadth from eclipsing its mightily impressive debut. ( Original review.)

8. Sam Lao, ‘West Pantego’

Female MCs are, for whatever reason, something of a scarce commodity in North Texas hip-hop circles. But 2013 was something of a turning point, as artists like Dallas’ Sam Lao burst onto the scene and immediately captivated audiences and critics alike. Lao’s debut EP, West Pantego, is an impressive showcase of verbal dexterity and sonic smarts (her dazzling spin on Coldplay’s Paradise remains electrifying). ( Original review.)

9. Calhoun, ‘Paperweights’

Another local act that seized the opportunity this year to shake up its sound, Fort Worth pop-rock mainstays Calhoun embraced the supple textures and frosty aesthetic of synth-pop without forsaking its immaculate songcraft. Tim Locke’s lyrics and melodies are as gorgeous as ever, and his bandmates take to the revamped sound like old hands. These six tracks leave you craving more. ( Original review.)

10. The Relatives, ‘Electric Word’

A record three decades in the making, Dallas psych-gospel collective the Relatives finally got their moment in the spotlight this year, thanks to the release of the Jim Eno-produced Electric Word. Brothers Tommie and Gean West fuse holy revelation, social commentary and rip-roaring funk grooves all but guaranteed to leave your hips helpless to stay still. - FT. WORTH STAR-TELEGRAM | DFW.COM

There’s no doubt about it — one of the most striking new talents I’ve heard thus far this year is Denton singer-songwriter Kaela Sinclair.

Gifted with a sultry soprano and capable of crafting songs full of ambition and cinematic scope, the 23-year-old Sinclair, who teaches at Southlake’s Hall Music Productions and is a 2012 graduate of the University of North Texas, will release her debut album, Sun & Mirror, on Oct. 8.

It’s packed with heavy hitters, all of whom augment Sinclair’s formidable skills.

Produced and mixed by Midlake drummer McKenzie Smith, who also drums on the record, Sun & Mirror also features contributions from Daniel Hart, Buffi Jacobs, Evan Jacobs, Scott Lee and Midlake’s Joey McClellan and Jesse Chandler.

Mirror is a lush, richly textured piece of work brimming with ambition and suffused with a dark beauty. In short, one of the best albums to emerge from the DFW area thus far in 2013.

Sinclair will celebrate Mirror's release with an Oct. 7 show at Dan’s Silverleaf (she’ll be joined by Bethan and Robert Gomez), but today, DFW.com is proud to offer the premiere of the album’s first single, Original Sin.

It’s a fantastic introduction to Sinclair’s style, spiked with keening guitar lines and intense percussion. Please to enjoy. - DFW.com

“Original Sin,” Kaela Sinclair

After featuring Midlake’s “Antiphon” a couple of weeks ago, I received a note from the band’s drummer and production whiz, McKenzie Smith, hipping me to a young singer whose upcoming debut album he played on and oversaw. Denton’s Kaela Sinclair possesses a honeyed voice akin to those of Regina Spektor and Sarah Jaffe (both of whom have also worked with Smith.) “Original Sin,” with its lyrical longing and moody minor chords, is a worthy leadoff single for Sun & Mirror. Kaela’s album release show is scheduled for October 7 at Dan’s Silverleaf, 103 Industrial St., Denton. Danssilverleaf.com. - Pop Culture Blog, Dallas Morning News

Artist: Kaela Sinclair.
Album: Sun & Mirror.
Recommended If You Like: Looking pensive on the dancefloor.
Also Worth Knowing: Though this marks the debut for Denton newcomer Kaela Sinclair, it's got all the ingredients to help the 23-year-old become the Little D's next big thing. To that end, Sun & Mirror features production from Midlake's McKenzie Smith and string arrangements courtesy of Daniel Hart and The Polyphonic Spree's Buffi Jacobs . - Central Track

"Right now, my big musical fixation is Kaela Sinclair. I've been playing 'Run' on my show for months, and her whole album, Sun & Mirror, has some of the best-crafted songs I've heard in a long time. I predict she's going to explode in the upcoming months." - Dallas Observer | DC9 at Night

She’s a musical dream. The melodies, the lyrics, the vocals, and many of the instrumentals are all her own. Meet Kaela Sinclair, a 23 year old indie musician from Denton, Texas who is making tidal waves in the industry. Kaela infuses her tracks with depth and layers yet still manages to exude a restorative simplicity. I think you readers will appreciate this unique sound so much that you’ll feel you can literally inhale it deep into your lungs like a breath of fresh air. Enjoy.

What is your name?

Kaela Sinclair

Describe your music style to our readers.

My music has been described as alternative indie pop with a cinematic, dreamy quality. I like to think that my songs lay in the happy place between mainstream and underground music. I enjoy writing complex chord progressions, but I think melodies should be natural and easy to grab onto. My lyrical style tends to be introspective and sometimes philosophical, but relationships and romantic endeavors certainly find their way into my songs as well.


How and why did you become a musician? Are you full-time?

I am a full-time musician. When I’m not writing, recording, or performing my original music, I’m teaching private music lessons and doing all sorts of paying gigs in a variety of styles. I’ve been playing music since a very young age. My parents tell me I started singing around the same time I started talking. A few years later, I started learning piano on an old upright we had in the house, and I started writing songs shortly after that. I’ve come a long way since then, having put in years of musical training and study.

What inspires you?

I’m very inspired by the works of other musicians. I’m particularly fond of Impressionist and Romantic classical music. The piano music of Debussy and Chopin always makes me want to write. I also listen to a lot of modern bands and singers. There are too many to name in full, but my current favorites are Poliça, Local Natives, Oh Land, and Bombay Bicycle Club. Of course, I’m inspired by real life experiences too – good and bad, personal and universal.

Describe a typical day.

On a typical day, I wake up later than most people (to my credit, musicians’ schedules tend to be shifted much later). I get up, work on emails, and run errands. If it’s a weekday I drive to work around 3pm and get home around 9pm or 10pm. I teach private music lessons, mostly to kids. I teach voice, piano, guitar, songwriting, and music theory. Nighttime is my creative time. That’s when I practice, write, and continue to take care of what I call “business chores” (emails, social media, booking, etc.) Sometime after midnight I might do something relaxing like listen to music, watch TV, or read a book. On the weekend (Thursday, Friday, Saturday) I am typically performing music somewhere in the Dallas/Ft. Worth Metroplex. The gigs can start around 8 or 9pm, and can end as late as 3am. My life is really busy, but I’m so glad I get to make my living doing music.

What are 3 fun things we should know about you?

I was homeschooled for a long time. A lot of my early childhood was spent hanging out with my Mom and my brothers. I credit homeschool with my love of reading. It might have also contributed to some of the social awkwardness I exhibited in high school, but hey, who wasn’t a little awkward in high school? Speaking of reading, I’m almost finished with the very long Game of Thrones book series. It’s thousands of pages of fantastical, grown-up fun. I love it. I also love lemons. I mean, I LOVE lemons. I eat them by themselves and I put lemon juice on everything. Oh, and I’m left-handed!

What advice would you give to other musicians?

Practice. Practice hard. Spend time learning the ins and outs of your instrument and of the theory of music. Don’t stop. I’ve already seen a lot of talented musicians quit music and take day jobs in unrelated fields. If having a family is a priority, that’s fine, but if you want to have a musical career, you have to keep going. It’s not the quickest or the surest road to financial security, so you have to really be okay with some shaky times, but it’s worth it if you love it!

Connect With Her

There are many ways to stay updated on my music! For shows, news, music, videos, and other updates ‘like’ me on Facebook and ‘follow’ me on Twitter! Download my brand new album on Bandcamp and iTunes.

Facebook

Website

Twitter

YouTube

Listen and Download

My debut LP, Sun & Mirror, was released October 8th. It was produced by myself and drummer McKenzie Smith (Midlake, St. Vincent, Regina Spektor, Sarah Jaffe) at Redwood Studios in Denton, TX. It was called “…one of the best albums to emerge from the DFW area thus far in 2013.” by DFW.com. You can hear the album and purchase it at www.kaelasinclair.bandcamp.com and on iTunes!
- M.L. Gardner | 1929Blog

Sun & Mirror, is one of the best albums to emerge from North Texas so far this year.

Befitting the 23-year-old Sinclair’s tenacious vision, Sun & Mirror exudes a startling ambition. Given its pedigreed cast of contributors (in addition to producing Mirror, Smith drummed on the record; Buffi Jacobs, Daniel Hart and Joey McClellan also pitched in), a confident polish is evident on lush cuts like lead single Original Sin, the gorgeous album closing Coral Castles or the stunning Better.

“The first time I heard Kaela sing, I knew she possessed an uncanny amount of talent,” Smith says. “Being able to work side by side with her on this album, I witnessed firsthand a musician that seems to have everything you could hope for in an artist — passion, dedication, creativity, amazing songs and the ever elusive ‘it’ factor.

“Kaela Sinclair is destined for success and I won't be surprised one bit if she is a household name sooner than later.”

To that end, Sun & Mirror is a logical benchmark for Sinclair, whose entire life has been steeped in music.

Whatever comes next for Sinclair, one thing is certain: there will be no half measures. - Ft. Worth Star-Telegram

"A powerhouse Denton talent premieres her debut single." - Dallas City and Press

Kaela Sinclair’s New Single Featured on iTunes
Posted on September 29, 2013 by Joey McClellen

Check out the first single ‘Original Sin’ from Kaela Sinclair’s forthcoming debut album. This was recorded at Redwood Studios, produced by Mckenzie Smith and engineered by Jordan Martin. Featuring Evan Jacobs on Keys, Mckenzie Smith on drums, and Joey McClellan on guitar and bass. The full length will be out later this year.
- Redwood Denton

Kaela Sinclair’s New Single Featured on iTunes
Posted on September 29, 2013 by Joey McClellen

Check out the first single ‘Original Sin’ from Kaela Sinclair’s forthcoming debut album. This was recorded at Redwood Studios, produced by Mckenzie Smith and engineered by Jordan Martin. Featuring Evan Jacobs on Keys, Mckenzie Smith on drums, and Joey McClellan on guitar and bass. The full length will be out later this year.
- Redwood Denton

Sun & Mirror – the debut LP from indie pop artist Kaela Sinclair will be released on the 8th of October

Truly a magnificent production, Sun & Mirror takes you on a journey through time and space.



By the end of the hour long album, you will have found yourself transported to the ballroom of an enchanted palace (Without), the back alleys of a futuristic dystopian city (Original Sin) and a sultry 70s nightclub (Coral Castles).

A masterful use of instrumentals set the tone and mood of each song, complimenting Kaela Sinclair’s expressive vocals. Each track is unique, and carries an important role in the overall experience. I was amazed at how much depth and diversity was packed into this album.

Special mention to McKenzie Smith, the main partner on Sun & Mirror, which was also recorded at his new studio - Redwood Studios in Denton.

Invaluable to this production is guitarist Joey McClellan. Credits also go to Scott Lee, Evan Smith, and Jesse Chandler who put in a lot of creative musicianship, as well as the people behind the string arrangements, Buffi Jacobs, Daniel Hart, and Fiona Brice.

“I think the album is really about introspection. I think introspection and working through your own psychology is what leads to empathy and compassion. The album title, Sun & Mirror, represents a need for warmth and comfort, but a drive for realness. The album is about wanting to embrace reality but understanding that reality doesn’t always make for the happiest perspective”

- Kaela Sinclair

You can listen to Sun & Mirror (and then buy it) on her Bandcamp after the release date: http://kaelasinclair.bandcamp.com/ - IndieVerse

With equal measures of talent and beauty, we invite Texas based singer-songwriter Kaela Sinclair to talk about her song Run for her soon to be released album, Sun & Mirror


"I wrote the song “Run” when I was working on demos for my upcoming album, Sun & Mirror. The process of demoing became a much more involved project once I discovered the joys of engineering and producing. These demos turned into my EP, Bedroom Series. I began working with Logic Pro, a condenser mic, my Nord and Yamaha keyboards, and my acoustic guitar. Having all of these options and learning how to layer tracks and use Logic to create the entire arrangement gave me a lot of freedom in regards to songwriting. It also led way to a wave of musical inspiration.

The need to create permanent and complex art can be satiated with much more ease without the stresses of a budget and timeline. The many, many months I spent recording my upcoming LP (which will be released October 8th) at Redwood Studios in Denton with some of the most talented musicians I know was an incredibly fulfilling and satisfying experience, but there was also something special about spending all that time alone in my apartment recording my EP.







Once I started writing this song it came together very quickly. I remember writing it on a chilly Saturday morning. The lyrics deal with a personal struggle that I was particularly struck by at the time, and one that recurs time and again. I think a lot of artists push away people they love (initially only in their heads) and create a kind of isolation that can be destructive. This song is about that feeling of self-imposed quarantine and the way being so in-your-own-head can affect relationships.

Musically, I wanted to reflect the feeling of strange calm using the open D tuning (major key) mixed in with a more eccentric, almost middle eastern scale on the ends of the choruses and on the bridge. I tend to have the most fun experimenting with vocals. On this track I doubled, tripled and eventually quadrupled the lead vocals, including octave doubles and harmonies. I used panning effects and different EQs for different vocal parts. The hardest part of demoing this song was trying to find the right way to record my acoustic guitar. It’s a relatively cheap guitar, and my apartment is not acoustically treated. Not to mention guitars are notoriously tricky to record. Eventually I found a spot that was close enough, but not perfect. Does anyone really want “perfect” in their favorite music anyway? I’m not sure I do.

“Run” was a song that I didn’t ask myself a lot of questions about. I edit plenty of my songs, but once it was written I decided to just let it be. These first demos felt like a time capsule. I didn’t want to lie to my future self. It’s interesting to look back on a song and try to recall the exact feelings that brought it into existence, but while the music stays the same, the feelings that are conjured while reminiscing are rarely static. As much as we sometimes want to change ourselves, we are each our own variation on a theme."

-Kaela

You can find out more about Kaela Sinclair and her work at these links:

facebook.com/kaelasinclairmusic

www.kaelasinclair.com

kaelasinclair.bandcamp.com (Sun & Mirror will be released on October 8th) - IndieVerse

"Wow! I don't know about you, but I'm expecting great things from this young woman." - Teri Harllee King -All About Jazz

"Kaela is a musician, composer, and songwriter who will take you to a new level touching on your emotions with her powerful and passionate voice. "
- Indaba Music - Indaba Music