Upstate’s Hard Soul returns with new release
TROY, N.Y. » After a nearly three year hiatus. Hard Soul has returned to announce the release of its new EP This Will Hurt.
Upstate New York-based emotive rockers Hard Soul released the five- song EP, including new single “See Me,” last week.
The record is now available via iTunes, Spotify, Bandcamp, Tidal and all other major digital retailers and streaming services.
“Hard Soul has always been about creating simple, singable songs that can connect with listeners of all musical backgrounds,” said Johnny Salka, Hard Soul lead singer and songwriter, in a news release. “The new EP is a renewed approach to that songwriting ethos which represents the last three years and next step in the musical evolution of Hard Soul. We’re absolutely stoked to share the new songs with our fans and the rest of the world.”
The EP features five tracks, including three brand-new songs and two new arrangements of previously- released acoustic tracks “Fairer Shores” and “Have To Be A Miracle,” which originally appeared on the band’s 2015 EP called Fairer Shores.
The band has released an official audio video for “See Me” — the first single — on its official YouTube page, www.youtube.com/watchhardsoul.
This debut single off of This Will Hurt has a Collar City connection. “The main riff of ‘See Me’ is forever linked to South Troy, a proud neighborhood in my home city where I wrote the song, with the chords and melody mate- rializing early one morning,” Salka explained in the release. “There was an immediate acknowledgement that there was something special about it. The song slowly evolved into a powerful display of riffs and vibrant vocal harmonies; however, the simple arrangement retains the song’s energy even while being performed on a simple acoustic guitar.”
Returning for the new EP is Nick Kossor (guitar), Steve Thompson ( guitar, backing vocals), Mark Podbielski (drums), along with new addition Sean Murphy ( bass guitar).
Hard Soul again partnered with longtime collaborator and producer Steven “SolidGold” Goldman on its latest musical effort. Recorded over the course of several sessions during the last 18 months at Four Legs Records in Washingtonville, the band used the extended timeframe to experiment and integrate new sounds into the new material. The result retains the familiar elements of the band’s riff-centric approach coupled with pop sensibilities with an newly-added layer of energy and excitement.
“It’s always an absolute blast to work with Johnny and the rest of the Hard Soul guys in the studio, and this time was no different,” Goldman said in the release. “There’s a timeless quality in all of Hard Soul’s material, reminiscent of the early days of rock with a unique sound all their own. With a varied mix of heavy and a new level of emotional connection, this record really has solidified their reputation as a creative force among their contemporaries in the local and regional music scene.”
Salka added, “Steve’s vast knowledge, experience and keen ear continue to be an invaluable asset to every single record I’ve made. He knew where to push the songs forward in new directions while simultaneously keeping us on task and on time. He and I have been playing in bands and making music together since we were teenagers; he’s a worldclass producer and I’m privileged to be able to continue creating music with my friend after all these years.”
The record also features Mike Perri (The Racer) who performed on two tracks — “I Am The Hurricane” and “This Will Hurt” — delivering a thundering performance on drums. Salka shared in the release how this collaboration came to be: “Getting Mike to play on the record was an absolute thrill. He and I were friends when we were kids, but we lost touch after his family moved away. Years later, we reconnected via Facebook and eventually our bands began sharing bills together. When it came time to begin the recording process for the new Hard Soul EP, I grabbed my phone and sent him a text to see if he was interested. He was an immediate yes and the rest, as they say, is history.”
Hard Soul’s upcoming performances and live dates will be posted online at www.thehardsoul.com, where more information about the band and its music can be found.