I saw Kim Janssen play a house show in West Philly about 8+ years ago and needless to say I was blown away. I’ve liked his music page on Facebook ever since but haven’t heard of him coming back to the US in some time. Today, I got an email with his name in the subject line and couldn’t be more excited to open it. Kim Janssen has announced the UK release date of his upcoming album Cousins due out May 12th!
The first taste of this new album “Gouldians” sounds like a musical diary entry, a stunning soundscape to soundtrack this gratuitous look into Janssen’s life. The track is a beautiful mixture of melancholy, nostalgic and uplifting. I can’t wait to hear the rest of the new album.
Janssen was born in the Netherlands but raised in South East Asia, spending most of his youth in Bangkok, Phnom Penh and Kathmandu. He says of the album:
“My new album ’Cousins’ is a personal account about looking back and growing older, about longing and displacement, spiritual doubt, dedication, and obsession. I grew up in Asia and I guess you create your own version of every place you’ve been in your memory; I like to explore this idea with music. Growing up over there also has an influence on my lyrics, especially on this record. To me it’s a pop album. I wanted to make an album that I would actually like to listen to.”
If “Gouldians” is any indication, Cousins is sure to be a gorgeous album and instant classic. Kim Janssen is set to play several shows in the U.K. following the release of Cousins including one of my favorite festivals in the world, The Great Escape in Brighton this May! You can purchase your tickets now here.
xx Cher
