Interview: Kramies talks latest EP

‘Of All the Places Been & Everything the End’, the beautiful new release by Kramies, is out now on Hidden Shoal Records.

Written in a haunted Irish castle, the EP features guest contributions from Jason Lytle of Grandaddy, Jerry Becker of Train, and Todd Tobias Of Guided By Voices.

Check out ‘Of All the Places Been & Everything the End’ below!

While wandering through landscapes that have been deepened by antiquities & fables, Kramies spent time residing on the grounds of an old castle. There, over the weeks and within the castle walls, Kramies started the writings of what would become his newest gathering of songs titled: “Of All The Places Been & Everything The End”.

Upon returning home, Kramies teamed up with producers Jason Lytle of Grandaddy, Todd Tobias (Guided by Voices) & Jerry Becker of Train to create one of the most nostalgically powerful & emotional folklore journeys in Kramies’ collection yet. Tipping the balance between eerie reflections and fairytale laden myths, ‘Of All The Places Been & Everything The End’ finds you moving within a forest of imagination as the beautifully architected story ends leaving you enchanted and bewitched. Kramies also released a new video for ‘Everything The End’ last month which you can check out below!

We caught up with the artist before the release of the EP as he talked about release and more!

So how has the release of the video Everything The End gone down so far?

I think it’s being pretty well received. I’m really happy with it. It’s always amazing for me to think that I can make these little haunted songs and so many people hear it.
It’s only been a few days so far with the new single. I think my whole goal has always been to try and create an emotional nostalgia for people. So I hope “Everything the End” touches on that.

Can you tell something about the video no one else knows?

Well haha! Let’s see. Growing up as a child I was obsessed with ghosts. Not bad ghosts but the good kind that maybe give you a little scare but are harmless. I feel like the video leads to that a bit. It took me a while to realize it but the video fells like a full circle moment for me in a strange way.

What’s it like working with Jason Lytle?

I love working with Jason. It’s a very nice understanding of how each other likes to work. I set off to write and track a new song, I send jason all the tracks after I’m done, and he takes pieces and puts it together the way he sees best. I give him all the space and control he needs. I love everything he does and I’m always blown away buy how much better it all sounds after he’s done. It’s really a lovely way for two artists to work together.
Kind of, I do my thing and you do your thing kind of deal. It’s pretty creative that way.

So you will be releasing your EP All of the Places Been & Everything The End next month, how pumped are that it is finally released?

This EP took a lot out of me. So to see it slowly being released is amazing. I was worried about it over the past year, but now I’m grateful I had the chance to make this one the way I did. It traveled a lot and took a long time. I’m actually pretty proud of this one. It was a struggle that I ended up needing and appreciating. It’s really amazing to have it almost out into the universe.
I’m already onto the next one, so it’s nice to know that this ep has a huge part of my heart in it.

What is your favourite track from the EP?

That is a difficult question to answer. I think I still need time away from it to really have a good listen. The whole EP is one long story. So I think it’s the story that keeps it all connected as one for me still. So it would be hard to pick.

If you could work with any band on a new song, who would it be and why?

Joanna Newsom. Without a doubt. I think she is the most unique singer songwriter out there today. I love her voice and the music she creates with the harp is beautiful to me.

What was the first gig you ever been to?

I would say it was The Cleveland Orchestra as a young kid. It was amazing. It completely stayed with me as a memory. I was enchanted by it. That was my first memory of music in a live setting.

Will you be touring at all soon?

Yes I will be. I like touring now. I enjoy going overseas and seeing new places.
I have a few unique show here this winter but next spring I’ll be in Europe.