New singles spotlight

Posted on by Edwin Arnaudin

No time to hear a full album? Give these standout singles by local artists a spin.

Kingdom Kome x Ruen, “Empanadas Salteñas”

Uninterested in resting on his laurels, Asheville-based hip-hop artist Maximiliano “Kingdom Kome” Kuper follows up 2021’s The Chariot, his extraordinary Spaceman Jones and The Motherships collaboration, with Malbec. The album finds him working exclusively with beats by his DJ and in-house producer, Ruen, and features collaborations with some of Miami’s finest MCs, where Kuper grew up before relocating to Western North Carolina in 2011. Lead single “Empanadas Salteñas” nimbly mixes English and Spanish language rhymes over a dark boom-bap track alongside guest stars Itawe (of Locos Por Juana) and Lyrik’L, proving yet again that Kingdom Kome is one of the East Coast’s top lyricists. avl.mx/ba1

Kathryn O’Shea, “Snakeskin”

In a compelling departure from the winning banjo-and-vocal approach on her debut LP, January 9th, the Asheville-based singer-songwriter explores full-band alt-rock to great success on her latest track. Arranged and produced by Lee Dyer of local indie rock band Aunt Vicki, the single finds O’Shea boldly addressing the pains of coming to terms with the past and finding a well-earned peace moving forward — with a little help from some witty reptilian metaphors. In sync with the layered instrumentation that hits a thrilling peak on the chorus, her vocals sound more confident than ever. avl.mx/ba2

MeadowTrash, “War on Cabbagehead”

Looking for a dose of unfiltered rock ’n’ roll? Local singer-songwriter Charlie King has you covered. Having retired the solo moniker Eat the Label, the artist showcases the depths of his talents, absolutely shredding on guitar and spinning captivating imagery at the microphone over the lead track from his sharp new EP, Year of the Water Tiger. Backed on bass and drums by Kevin Boggs (Doc Aquatic; Fashion Bath) — who also produced, recorded, mixed and mastered the collection — and featuring an assist from fellow local Matt Tobia on guitar, the opener sets the tone for a diverse melodic journey of long-form rock. avl.mx/ba3

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About Edwin Arnaudin
Edwin Arnaudin is a staff writer for Mountain Xpress. He also reviews films for ashevillemovies.com and is a member of the Southeastern Film Critics Association (SEFCA) and North Carolina Film Critics Association (NCFCA). Follow me @EdwinArnaudin
View all posts by Edwin Arnaudin →

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