Beth Kille

(2012 Requius R0001)



Dust is the third solo release and the second full-length recording by Beth Kille. The former Clear Blue Betty frontperson did a six-song EP in 2009 titled This Beautiful Beast, a tentative step forward from the shadows of her former band. 2010 saw her release Ready, which would have been an apt title for this current album. Listening to Dust it occurred to me that Kille is indeed ready.

There is a reason that artists like Kille have armloads of MAMA and other awards; that they are wildly popular and can draw large crowds, specifically to big events such as CD-release parties; and that they are able to raise $11,000 on Kickstarter to fund their projects and, hence, their careers. Granted, Kille is fortunate to have a stable household where she can focus on her music but she also became a mother in 2011 and that hasn’t slowed her output, commitment and drive. But I have known this woman a long time and written about her too. She’s one of the most dedicated people I’ve ever come across and the fact that she donated some of the money she raised on Kickstarter to charities speaks volumes about the kind of person she is. She’s allocated loads of time to establishing a Chick Singer chapter in Madison as well as a Girls Rock Camp organization, an undertaking that brings her immense satisfaction. She’s a board member for the Madison Area Music Association and take it from me, that is no small task. When the MAMAs needed a music director, she stepped up. She also has participated in countless songwriter workshops and retreats and to attend a Beth Kille performance is to likely be personally – and genuinely – thanked by her as she rolls through the crowd afterward. In short, it’s not about her and this is a very important distinction.

Dust is a collection of songs that were written in 2008 and 2009 while Kille was with her husband (and drummer) Tony in Houston where he was doing his medical residency. She took that opportunity to hone her writing and expand her network. One track on Dust is a Clear Blue Betty re-do from 2004 and one is a cover of John Prine’s “Angel From Montgomery.”

What makes these songs hang together so well is that there is a clear evolvement in style. Kille now effectively straddles pop, country and Americana while always sounding like herself; a milestone that many artists strive for and never reach. While the production by Jake Jonhnson and Paradyme Productions is outstanding, the performances by the supporting cast make the star shine. Whether it’s the limitless taste of Chris Wagoner who provides a wide variety of acoustic instruments and lap steel, the impressive and restrained guitar work of Michael Tully, the sweet pedal steel of Leroy Deurster, or the totally in-the-pocket timekeeping by Tony, these well-crafted songs just lift off. Particularly notable is the vocal blend between Kille and Jessi Lynn. If Kille had the opportunity to take this configuration to the next level, there is no telling how far it could go.

“Dead Man in a Dream” starts things off on a strong note, establishing the depth of the lyrics and the relaxed yet earnest vocal delivery. “I Can’t Love You Anymore” is a stunning ballad of love lost while “Not That I Don’t” recounts the Killes’ difficult struggle to achieve parenthood. “End of the Line” delivers the somber subject matter of child abuse with an ironic pop chirpiness. What makes songwriting a true craft is the departure and return (the bridge) and these songs have that in spades. Then there is the glorious pop of “Wonderful” where Wagoner’s accordion and Lynn’s vocal harmonies are sublime. Not everything is nice and pretty, either. The title track is the album’s heaviest with haunting verses punctuated by banjo and dobro and a chorus that thuds with fuzzed-out guitar. “I’ve Been Accused” is a totally radio-ready slice of country-rock with Jake Johnson providing some cool wah-wah guitar solos. “Idlewild River” also rocks harder and Kille really cuts loose on the vocals here.

There are some who don’t believe the words “music” and “career” should be mentioned in close proximity. That’s fine for them but anyone with an open mind knows when something is well done, whether it’s their cup of tea or not. Dust may be precisely what Kille leaves her beloved Madison in and that would be fucking awesome. - Local Sounds Magazine

She’s always been a leader, an inspiration, an instigator for good. But where Beth Kille really rocks these roles, is as a Madison-based musician. Kille’s done the hard work here at least twice. First, as part of the popular band “Clear Blue Betty,” which she left when her husband took a job in Texas, then again a few years ago as a primarily solo artist, when they returned to Wisconsin. But this multiple Madison Area Music Association Award winner, honored in 2012 for Country/Bluegrass Song of the Year, isn’t stingy about sharing her talents. While she continues to be busy as a singer-songwriter, she’s also helping cultivate a rock-n-roll fantasy for others through multiple windows of opportunity, with Ladies Rock Camp and Girls Rock Camp being the best examples. Kille says, “The main goal is that each camper walks away feeling empowered, like they did something crazy and succeeded, and they’re now a part of our musical community.”

Maureen Cassidy signed her daughter up for Girls Rock Camp a couple of years ago, then decided to take part in the adult version of the camp. The Madison mother says despite thinking it would be a positive experience for young girls, she felt unsure about the outcome for grown-ups. “I really didn’t believe a group of strangers could come together on a Friday, and by Sunday night– formed and named a band, written an original song, and performed it.”

Ladies Rock Camp participant Maureen CassidyBut Cassidy did it successfully during a recent Ladies Rock Camp weekend. She describes it as life-changing, especially since she’d always had the dream of being a rock star. And Cassidy admits, even after becoming a mother and starting a career, she couldn’t shake the desire. “This is the way to live that out and be successful in rocking out. As an adult camper, you feel supported from the first hour. And with teachers like Kille, you really cannot fail in this endeavor,” says Cassidy who also tells of meeting women of all ages, including one camper in her early 70's who learned to play drums as a member of one of the camp bands.

But, Kille credits another woman as being the driving force behind the creation of the Madison camps. Halle Pollay’s daughter signed up for the Girls Rock Camp in Chicago, the closest location a half-dozen years ago. She landed on the waiting list, so Pollay decided to start a local version. And with Kille as the camp’s music director, the idea took off. “Our mission is to offer a culture of positive self-esteem and collaboration among the ladies or girls, while building community through music. I hope that through our camps, everyone feels empowered to go out and rock their dream, whatever it may be,” says Pollay.

For Kille, the ability to continue making music, while sharing the art she loves with others, is her own dream come true. “The most challenging part, for me at least, is making sure everyone in each band feels like they’re able to contribute to the creative process while pushing just hard enough for quick decision making so the song can be written and rehearsed, and so the campers feel ready for the show. You also need to make sure you’re instilling realistic expectations into everyone. No one attends a camp showcase and expects to hear The Bangles or The Go-Go’s. But we want the crowd there to celebrate the fun, and the gutsiness of these amazing women and girls. I feel like every showcase we’ve done has been a success. Everyone leaves with a smile on their face,” says Kille. And when the sheer fright about performing on stage turns to sheer delight in receiving the star treatment, Kille has one favorite tale she likes to tell. It follows the applause for a young band’s appearance, and Kille explains, “They started to exit the stage, when I felt a tug on my sleeve. One of the campers wanted me to tell everyone they’d be signing autographs out back. I love knowing they really felt like rockstars!” - Local Sounds Magazine

It’s always great to catch-up with an old friend and band mate, but when you can combine work and pleasure it’s utterly fantastic! I’ve known Beth Kille for over 12 years. Played in a band with her, wrote songs with her, ran songwriters get-togethers with her, and watched her grow into one of the best songwriters Wisconsin has to offer. She is a marvelous person and talent that never seems to run out of energy. Balancing the duties of being a mom to 16 month old Gus and a wife to Tony, Beth still finds time to write and perform, help run Girls and Ladies Rock Camps, attend songwriters groups, and keep house (so guys don’t complain that you can’t get anything done because you’re too busy)!
Beth Kille grew up in Marinette, Wisconsin playing in the High School Band. She attended the University of Wisconsin where she played in the Marching Band and was the University’s Second Female Drum Major. She got her Master’s Degree in Physical Therapy and helped to put her husband and drummer Tony through Med School. During this time she picked up the guitar and started writing songs. Today she is a full-time mom and a full-time musician. She is an inspiration to Joyce and me both as a person and a songwriter/performer. She fronted the Indie Rock Band Clear Blue Betty for over 5 years. She has won 15 MAMA’s (Madison Area Music Awards), and is part of the Nashville Songwriters Association.
Beth is one of my favorite songwriters! I was lucky enough to see her when she first started and watch how she has become the top songwriter in the Madison area. She is multi-talented playing multiple instruments and has a terrific voice. Her songs are incredible in depth, structure, hooks, and arrangements. Besides performing she also produces other artists. To say that she is multi-talented is an understatement. She is the best of the best!
Beth and I got together on the hottest day of the year over glasses of ice coffee and talked about what she has been up to and what the future holds.
AG: So Beth tell me about your new album?
Kille: My new album is going to be called Dust. It is all songs that I have written since 2004 but never recorded. I have been playing them out for years and people have been asking for them so I decided now was the right time to release them. The only songs that I had cut before is Rome that was on Clear Blue Betty’s first record, and End of the line and I can’t love you anymore off of my first solo CD. The arrangements are different on most of the songs. I used a full band to record it except the one cover tune; I cut Angel from Montgomery which I did with just an acoustic guitar. It’s a really fun collection of songs and very diverse.
AG: Who’s playing on the album with you?
Kille: Tony’s playing the drums, Chris Wagner on every string instrument you can think of [plus accordion, Mike Tully on lead guitar, Brian Schiro on electric bass, Tom McGirr on standup bass, Leroy Deuster is playing pedal steel, John Peik is playing banjo, and Jessi Lynn is singing background.]
AG: You just made a video too. What song was it for and when will be it be viewed?
Kille: It’s for I can’t love you anymore. It’s not done yet. We still have a couple of more hours of shooting to do. It was shot by John Murray with the help of Dennis Hemp. Jonathon Little directed and co-produced it. Julia McConahay did the makeup and my niece Lexi ran the sound board. When it’s finished it will be on You Tube and my website.
AG: When is your album due out?
Kille: November 3rd is the official release date. I’m starting a Kickstarter campaign soon so that the folks that contribute will get an early special copy hopefully by the Americana Music Conference in September.
AG: So this will be your first trip to the Americana Music Conference, are you excited?
Kille: Yes I am. I’m attending to meet and network with other songwriters and industry folks. I’m sure Joyce will show me the ropes.
AG: What are your plans for shows this fall?
Kille: It’s funny that you asked that. I’ve been so busy this summer with Girls Rock Camp and playing jobs I need to spend some more mom time at home. I will be going out and promoting the CD, but I also need to spend more time with Gus and Tony. I hope later in the year and early next spring to promote heavier and branch out into different cities to play. The Kickstarter project will hopefully allow me more pre-sales and coverage so I won’t have to tour quite as much. We’ll have to see how things turn out.
AG: So what do you see yourself doing in the next 5 years?
Kille: Still writing and recording. I would like to do a children’s album, a piano ballad’s album would be cool too. I want to keep teaching and would like to expand that to the web. Be a good mom and wife and have fun!
AG: Let’s talk a minute about Girls and Ladies Rock Camps.
Kille: Girls Rock Camp is for girls 8 -18 who want to learn to play an instrument and perform on stage. It’s a blast. We take these young girls who have never touched an instrument, teach them some chords let them write a song record it and then play a concert on a big stage! It’s wild and fun. It teaches girls cooperation, it brings out their self-esteem, and they get to be performers and they get a taste of what that’s like. It is so much fun to be a part of. Ladies Rock does the same thing only with women 18 -100! It’s three days of fun and super stress release for the campers. We have had women in their 60’s take part. It is very empowering to them. They get to do something that is way out of their comfort zones!
AG: So what advice would you give to a young woman in her 20’s that sees all you have accomplished to help her down this path?
Kille: I think the main thing is to surround yourself with good people who are better than you at whatever you want to do. Be open to feedback, find as many opportunities as you can to apply your craft, don’t let disappointments stop you because there will be plenty of them, and don’t be afraid to stand up and fall on your face because it will happen. Having a great support group of friends and other musicians really helps. Don’t be afraid of honest criticism about your music. Use that information to get better. Mostly go out and try it. Don’t be afraid to get up in front of people and perform.

Written by: Andy Ziehli - Americana Gazette

Beth Kille is a fantastic song writer. One of the best to come out of Madison. Her songs are honest, soulful heartfelt mini movies for your listening pleasure. I have known Kille since the beginning of her songwriting career. During these past years I have seen her become a songwriter’s songwriter. The one person in the group that everyone wishes they could write songs like. Her live performances with Clear Blue Betty were awe inspiring both visually and audibly. The girl can write songs.

In 2008 Kille moved to Texas as her husband and percussionist Tony Kille was awarded a medical fellowship for a year in Houston. Kille free to follow her musical heart spent the year learning how to be a solo performer and co-writing with folks from all over the US. This time away from a band model helped to shape the ‘new” Kille as a more passionate/soulful writer and her first release as a soloist shows.

This Beautiful Beast is a sample of the fine songwriting talent that is Beth Kille. Kille also engineered and produced the EP with tremendous results. This is a fantastic EP!!! It shows the growth and maturity of an artist. Not many people create such material in such a beautiful way as Kille does on This Beautiful Beast. It is extremely well recorded, has six strong songs that could be top 40 Country or Pop radio hits, and gives you the listener a chance to hear an artist that lets you in their world without all the glitz and special effects that dominate today’s radio fare.

Co-writing with Kille on the CD were Connie Mims from Houston/Nashville, and Dan Saunders from Lincoln Nebraska who also played on this EP. Helping Kille capture these wonderful songs were her husband Tony on percussion, and Julia McConahay on Violin. Kille played all the guitar and keyboard parts except on track 5 in which Saunders played the keyboards. My favorite song on this EP was track three; I can’t love you anymore which was co-written with Mims. Hey Nashville you better take a listen here! This song has major hit written all over it. The last track is an interesting song song a capela by Kille which makes it appear and sound like poetry verses songwriting. It is a very special treat. The other four tracks are great songs too. Each different and more interesting both sonically and lyrically than the preceding song. There is not a bad song on this EP!

This Beautiful Beast is an opportunity for you to hear a wonderful talented songwriter in a much stripped down fashion, playing songs from the heart. If you liked Rosanne Cash’s 10 song Demo CD you will love This Beautiful Beast. Hat’s off to Beth Kille for reaching for the stars and landing there. Making it can be mean many different things in the entertainment business from headlining stadiums, to making millions of dollars, or it can mean creating a work of art that will stand the test of time. This Beautiful Beast is the latter. The first two will be along shortly.


Andy Ziehli
- Americana Gazette