Feature | Patti Smith

With powerhouse vocals and a driving band behind her, Kailie Simpson is truly a rockstar. The New Jersey native is no stranger to the music scene with a history of engaging live performances, but fans of her raw and reflective style are in for a change of pace with her latest single “Patti Smith”. The track is still raw, but in a gritty way, throwing it back to garage band jam sessions with the amps turned all the way up.

Simpson’s lyrics are flirty and fun, telling of the excitement and spontaneity of a new love affair. The line “call me Patti, I’ll be your muse” suggests two artistic individuals drawing inspiration from one another, even if it's just a fling built on scandalous pictures and stargazing over a joint. Simpson’s vocals are strong and clear with just the right amount of edge that allows her style to fluctuate from rock to pop and back again. The unapologetically dominant guitar paired with clashing drums is infectious and together with Simpson’s singing, it's impossible to listen to this song without nodding along (and maybe trying out some air guitar).

The track made me feel nostalgic, bringing me back to early 2000s punk pop and alt rock. This rebellious sound that Simpson has unearthed in “Patti Smith” is an ode to a loud and proud era of songs that haven’t seen their heyday in far too long. It is from a time where youths blasted CDs from bedroom stereos and car speakers. I, for one, look forward to more of this bold flavor of music from Simpson and can’t wait to see what she’s going to do next.