After recently returning with his much-loved comeback single 'Want You Bad' earlier this year, Philadelphia-based artist Cain Kerner is back once again to unveil his woozy new offering 'long way home'.
Bringing back more of that rich and shimmering psych-pop aesthetic he has been crafting over the years, 'long way home' makes for an incredibly warm and emotive return for him. With its breezy textures, lofty atmosphere, and his own mesmerising vocals at the helm, he continues to shine as one of the more impactful names doing the rounds right now.
So with the new single available to stream now, we sat down with him to find out more about his origins and what has been inspiring him most over the years.
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What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
The first instrument I fell in love with was the voice. I love and respect them all, but the voice to me is the pinnacle of expression.
What kind of music did you love when you were younger?
I was in love with anything that would stop me in my tracks or simply lodge itself into my head. Everything from Skynyrd to D’Angelo, and everyone around it.
What was the first album you remember owning?
The White Album.
What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?
Blackbird by The Beatles.
Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?
Yes, they’re called “break-ups”.
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
Foushé. Ruffin. Elliott Smith. Fleetwood Mac. SiR.
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
Tyler, The Creator.
What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?
Honestly, I haven’t felt too much reward from it these days. It’s been a long time that I’ve been doing this, and I’ve found myself at a point where my passion doesn’t feel as enthusiastic as it once did. Sometimes it feels like my music doesn’t even exist. All in all, the most rewarding aspect of it that still remains is the opportunity to express myself. To express and document what I was thinking or feeling. Even if only for myself. It’s like proof that I was here, and so were those thoughts and feelings.
And what is the most frustrating part?
Trying to get a bunch of people who view me as “the fruit guy” to also view me as “Cain Kerner - the music guy”.
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
I’ve never received good advice as a musician.
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Cain Kerner's new single 'long way home' is available to stream now. Check it out in the player below.