Kyle Motsinger Reflects on the ‘Bad Years’ In New Single

On Kyle Motsinger’s new alternative rock single “Bad Years,” the singer-songwriter reflects on the long, arduous road he has traveled in pursuit of his musical dreams.

“It’s been challenging with daily obstacles like waking up to find my bank account overdrawn and having to call mom and dad for grocery money,” Motsinger explains. “Or promoting a show at the venue I always dreamed of playing to only have one friend show up. It can be pretty humiliating and soul-crushing. You start to wonder if anyone cares or if you are even talented.”

Although “Bad Years” might sound a tad bit negative at first, Motsinger assures that the track is hopeful and encouraging.

“It is about how things can and will get better if you hold on,” he says. “One day, you will look back from a better place.”

Born and raised in a small, conservative town near Peoria, Illinois, Motsinger grew up with a love of performing. He participated in school productions and community theater as a youth, and in college, he earned a BFA in musical theater at Western Illinois University. He then moved to New York City where he performed in several Off-Broadway productions.

While performing, Motsinger continued writing his own music and it eventually took the focus of his creativity. He took some time to talk more about “Bad Years” and his artistry with OFM.

Can you begin by telling us more about the concept behind your new track “Bad Years?”

“Bad Years” really kind of sprang from the last couple of years that we’ve all had. We’ve definitely had some things happening in the world (laughs). So, it was about that, but personally, you get to a point in your mid-30s when you’re trying to make art, and if things aren’t necessarily happening as fast as you’d like, you start to really doubt yourself. Plus, the bank account is overdrawn, and it can be a lot. So, for me, “Bad Years” is both about some bad times I’ve personally dealt with, and then what we’ve all been dealing with globally.

What inspired you to write a song like this?

I’ve always been one to write my feelings down. I write about life, the good and the bad, and the way that I know how to get through something is if I write about it. I think that’s probably true for a lot of artists and singer-songwriters. So, I just really had to write through it.

How has “Bad Years” been received by listeners so far?

Great! A lot of people say that they find it very inspirational. They, too, hope that the bad years will be behind us soon and we’ll be looking back from a better place. That’s been really good to hear. You want to write music that people can connect to, and I feel like this is connecting.

You have gone on record saying you think “Bad Years” is the best piece you’ve written so far. Why is that?

Because I feel like I’ve written something that I’m very happy with musically and lyrically, and I feel like I have written something that is pretty much universal for people right now. I feel really great about the production, the musicians, everything. I do think everything kind of came together for this song, and I’m just very happy with it.

What do you ultimately hope audiences take away, not just from the single, but your music overall?

I hope that they think this is a singer-songwriter who writes what they’re feeling, and they can really relate to a lot of my songs. They can relate to the happy, fun ones, and they can relate to the angsty, sad songs as well. I want them to feel that there is a song for all occasions with this artist.

Will “Bad Years” be part of an upcoming EP?

It’s supposed to be a full album, but you know, that can be very expensive (laughs). I think it will one day grow into an album, because I have nine other songs that are waiting to get vocals on them. We did music sessions, band sessions, and a full string session last year, so all the music is sort of laid down, ready to go. Then I sort of hit a wall where it was like, OK, now I need to make a lot of money so I can afford to record the vocals, and the mixing and mastering is very expensive. I’m still paying for that with “Bad Years.” Being an indie artist can be hard.

Have you always had a passion for singing and songwriting?

Yes! When I was a little kid, I was writing lyrics in a journal, and when I was in late grade school, I got my first piano and learned how to play it. Then I wrote my first song in high school. It was this really dramatic piece called “Ghosts from the Past.” Like, what ghosts from what past did I have to worry about then? I think I was greatly inspired by Evanescence, Linkin Park, those kinds of bands. Then I wrote a cabaret song in college for myself, and then I continued to write here and there.

How would you describe your musical style and aesthetic?

I would say it’s pop rock, but I feel like that definition is changing all the time. I’ll look up a pop playlist on Spotify or iTunes and be like, oh, this is what pop is now? But I would say it’s pop rock, but very theatrical. Maybe even theatrical alternative because I’m a little alternative, too.

What are some future goals you hope to accomplish with your music career?

The biggest goal I have is, I’d like to be able to live off of being an artist. That’s a really hard thing, especially when you’re getting .001 of a penny on Spotify streams, unfortunately. But that is the biggest goal. I would like to have a life being an artist, being a singer-songwriter, but I also want to just keep writing music that inspires people. I feel like I still have a lot of life to live, so I want to kind of document my experiences going forward. I think I would like to write a musical too. That would be fun.

What kind of musical would you like to write?

Again, I really love dark and emotional musicals. Nothing fluffy for me. I would love to write something that just gets to you.

Before we wrap up, are there any other projects or anything else you would like to mention or plug?

I’ve got a bunch of stuff in the planning stages, so I would say just stay tuned. I’ve talked with the band that I work with, and we want to get out and start doing some shows, and I will be doing a show at Bear Week in Provincetown this summer. A show at the Brasswood Inn in mid-July. Other than that, stay tuned, and I’m always on the lookout for other things to do.

Stay up-to-date and connect with Motsinger by following him on Facebook and Instagram @kylemotsinger, or visit his official website, kylemotsinger.com. “Bad Years” is now available on all music streaming platforms.

Photos by Austin Ruffer