Emker Cel, the pseudonym of Matt Kassell, has delivered a compelling and deeply personal musical journey with his latest album, “You Are Everything You Are.” Recorded, mixed, and mastered at Digital Man Recording Studio in Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria, UK, the album is a testament to resilience and creativity in the face of adversity.
Emker Cel’s vocal performance on “You Are Everything You Are” stands out with its richness and emotional depth. He has one of the richest voices we’ve heard in months and adds a captivating layer to the album. From soulful spoken word in the title track to poignant expressions in various songs, Emker’s delivery is a testament to his vocal prowess, enhancing the overall impact of the album’s lyrical exploration of relationships and self-discovery.
The thematic core of the album revolves around relationships, covering a spectrum that extends beyond the romantic realm. The title track, “You Are Everything You Are,” is a powerful anthem, emphasizing that individuals are inherently enough, regardless of external perceptions. Emker Cel eloquently expresses the belief that it’s the internal essence and the decisions one makes that define one’s true self.
The journey of creating this album was not without its challenges. Matt Kassell, the driving force behind Emker Cel, faced personal and health setbacks, including a year-long hiatus from music due to the birth of his son and subsequent struggles with the effects of Covid. The narrative surrounding the album’s creation adds a layer of depth to the listening experience, providing context to the emotional richness embedded in each track.
The album’s production timeline reflects the determination and passion that Matt poured into his work. Overcoming physical limitations, he gradually returned to music through rehabilitation and collaboration. The instrumental recording, led by soundtrack composer Dave Fox, unfolded organically at Digital Man Studio. The result is a collection of tracks that showcase a remarkable fusion of live performances and carefully layered overdubs.
Thematically, “You Are Everything You Are” explores diverse relationships. Songs like “Not My Enemy” delve into the challenges of online communication, while “Death Of Dreams” addresses the complex relationship between individuals and government. Each track is a nuanced exploration, with “Battle” delving into the resilience required to overcome an abusive past, and “Goodnight Everyone” reflecting on the pressures of society.
Emker Cel’s lyrical approach is thoughtful and introspective, offering more than just personal anecdotes. Matt emphasizes that these songs are not necessarily based on lived experiences but are observations, explorations, and discoveries made in his mind. The lyrical depth is complemented by a musical diversity that sets “You Are Everything You Are” apart within the Emker Cel discography.
Musically, the album is a sonic journey that showcases Emker Cel’s growth and experimentation. From the Rush-inspired “Face The Music” to the experimental stereo-drums of “Data Loss,” the album traverses varied terrain. The collaborative efforts of additional musicians, including Howard Connor, Julie Rogerson, Ben Prescott, and Peter Kassell, contribute to the album’s richness and texture. The inclusion of saxophone on “You Are Everything You Are” and guitar work on various tracks adds layers that enhance the overall listening experience.
In conclusion, “You Are Everything You Are” is a testament to Emker Cel’s resilience, creativity, and musical evolution. It invites listeners on a journey through the complexities of relationships, both personal and societal. The album’s thematic depth, coupled with its musical variety, ensures that each track offers something new to discover. Emker Cel has not only created an album but a captivating narrative of personal triumph and introspection.
ABOUT THE ARTIST:
Based in Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria, UK. Singer-songwriter-producer-musician Matt Kassell started Emker Cel as a solo project in 2016. The eponymous debut album, released on Matt’s own Seahouse Records label, led to the formation of a live band, who contributed to the recording of the next album From The Waves in 2018. A pair of EPs and a few singles followed as Matt concentrated on producing other artists, and running the Seahouse Records label and Digital Man Recording studio.
