Local rocker tackles technology

Technology – we use it every day, every which way. Every aspect of our life depends on it, but are we using it in ways that diminish our humanity?

That’s a profound question, but one that rocker Brad Kells asks in his new album Machine World due for release on Friday, Feb. 3 at Haven Social Club.

“Machine World is about how people connect socially. It’s about how people prefer to connect on Facebook rather than socialize and meet in person with them,” says Kells, former frontman for the now defunct local rock-funk band Apache Rose.

“There’s a fine line between how mechanically structured we are in society and how people are with each other. I think people start to lose sight of the good things in life, good relationships and treat each other with less respect. Everything has become so mechanical and it bothers me.”

It’s been more than two years since the 2000 Paul Kane graduate released his first solo album Runaway, a catchy nine-track that was more commercial than his Apache Rose music.

But while a couple of the tunes in Runaway were “a bit pushed and felt a bit rushed,” Machine World has a more mature, established, comfortable vibe.

“Instrumentally I wanted more of rock and roll tone and we ended up using a Gibson Les Paul.”

He recorded Machine World at Edmonton’s Sound Extractor Studio under the mentorship of producer Stew Kirkwood.

“Stew did a lot of the guitar tracks on the album. He’s a phenomenal player. It’s a great studio he’s got there and whenever we write together, it comes quick and easy.”

Several tunes from the new five-track indie album are Back It Up, a danceable, funky rock tune about simply letting go; Whiskey Wheels, an honest salute to living on the edge; and Poor Jim, a tune about a dude who is treated like a doormat by a woman.

Kells is stoked about the supporting players backing him for the concert: Peter Belec (lead guitar), Jamie Cooper (drums), Don Churchill (bass) and Stan Gallant (rhythm guitar).

Of Belec, a St. Albert musician who recently returned from a tour with Crash Test Dummies, Kells says, “I asked him to play on my last CD. I gave him a copy of eight or nine songs and in a week he’d nailed every note. His track record speaks volumes.”

A big supporter of home-grown talent, Kells has also invited opening acts St. Albert’s White Lightning and kickupafuss to put a sizzle into the evening.

For a sample of Kells’ new album visit www.bradkellsmusic.com to see a video of You’re On My Mind.