Kathleen Halloran – Free With Me (2024)
While she has a reputation as a “sought-after ensemble guitarist…featured on countless recordings, in orchestra pits, and on major festival stages all around the country…”, singer-songwriter Kathleen Halloran steps up with a new solo project. This is my introduction to Halloran, and it might be yours as well, but the Australia-based singer-songwriter is more welcoming, heartfelt and comforting with one single as compared to those musicians I’ve been listening to for years. Join us as we delve into Halloran’s debut single, ‘Free With Me’.
Produced by Ross Irwin with Ben Edgar (engineering and mixing) and Lachlan Carrick (mastering), ‘Free With Me’ breathes life into the pop-rock sounds of 30 years ago. A nostalgic drag to 90s rock, ‘Free With Me’ oozes with the charm and elegance of yesteryear. Pounding drums lie alongside a bold bass, but it is the outstanding guitar solo that ups the ante of the track. Reminding me of Lenny Kravitz, Halloran simultaneously eases you into a hypnotic state while retaining a hint of brash alt-rock in the mix.
Delectable from beginning to end, the melody of ‘Free With Me’ holds you in a kaleidoscopic haze of sound; however, the lyricism brings further depth to an intricate song. Touching on topics of empowerment, independence and self-discovery, Halloran explains:
“The song is for all those people, like myself, who have a strong resistance to being put in a box, and those who don’t come with a manual! It draws from past experience of being perceived as ‘too much of this’ or ‘too little of that’, which I believe is a pressing struggle for ambitious, passionate people in this current climate. The over-arching message of the song is inner and outer freedom: to be proudly comfortable with who you are and to quit having to prove yourself or try too hard to meet other’s perceptions, views or limitations. Just simply to be you!”
Sincere, sentimental and soothing, ‘Free With Me’ is a balm to any discomfort or despair life may toss our way. A force to be reckoned with from her very first single, I am eager to hear more from the insatiable and unforgettable Kathleen Halloran.
In addition to the single, Kathleen Halloran released an official music video for ‘Free With Me’. You can view the video below or on her YouTube channel.
Find out more about Kathleen Halloran on her Facebook, Instagram and Spotify.
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