Written by Victoria Scott & Staff
“In September” is a transcendent, delicate Americana song by Kate Magdalena. The song commences with a soft percussive beat and crystal clear melodic notes that drop on the downbeats like a sweet music box.
The arrangement is well-conceived and engaging. The musicianship by Jonathan Crone (guitarist), Byron House (bassist), and Billy Smiley (keyboardist) is flawless.
The production tells a story through small embellishments, like the piano's delicate melody and the echoed wailing of the guitar at the end. Against the musical landscape, Kate's angelic and pristine vocals invite us into the song, "That friend I never knew, where are you? Hiding in the shed of my memory...Oh, I’ve tried to smile, to reconcile, it’s been a while, I tried to smile."
Kate Magdalena wrote "In September" in collaboration with her producer Billy Smiley as she collected her feelings over the loss of a dear friend. One of the most poignant lines in the song is, "We're all connected in." It seems that Kate is saying that even when someone passes, you are still connected to their spirit and there is comfort and peace in that connection.
“Let the scope of my sorrow, burn its way to you. To see you through the times ahead, to see you through a better way, Aaaaaayyyyy, We’re all connected in.”
There’s a certain type of heartbreak that comes when you lose a close friend. The ability to write an insightful song about loss and sorrow and somehow still feel as though a light is shining through is a testament to both Kate's songwriting and her spirituality.
“In September” is an intimate and heartfelt song that touches the soul. There is a deep outpouring of love in the lyrics that is perfectly captured by the musical arrangement which is delicate at times, but also swells with the heart. Kate's vocal performance is as tender and giving as the song - when Kate sings, she is sharing from her heart and soul and you can feel it.
For more information on Kate Magdalena, please visit her website.
About Kate Magdalena
Kate grew up to the sounds of music on Broadway in New York City, during the 1970's exploding singer-songwriter, folk, rock, and psychedelic music scene, featuring Crosby Stills and Nash, The Beatles, Joni Mitchell, and so many more artists who continue to inspire listeners worldwide.
Kate was a child of the ‘60’s, and when she came of age, she moved from the East Coast to San Francisco on a quest to discover the meaning of her life. Kate’s journey was an unusual one in that she did many other things before turning to music as her central career focus, and traveling many paths to arrive at where she is now.
Drawn to many different styles of music, she became enchanted by Irish-Canadian artist Loreena McKennitt, who conjures a lost world with her harp and singing. Kate intends to do the same! She is also enamored of artists like Rachel Platten, Sara Bareilles, and the controversial Sinead O’Connor, and many others.
Kate was raised in era in which people looked to the arts and music to inspire social activism. Like Dylan’s great songs, Kate’s songs address some of the pressing issues of our own day. She also sings of unity, hope, loss, and of the power of prayer in dealing with life’s many challenges. And she hopes that her own pursuit of her dream at age 62 might inspire others to follow their own cherished dreams regardless of barriers.
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