Premiere- Dakota Saylor: Letterbomb
Dakota Saylor was just about to hit his stride when COVID hit first. The Harlan, Kentucky native had some songs and gigs under his belt - including an appearance on Red Barn Radio - when the world shut down in 2020 and the live shows with it. The interim, however, has given him life experience that has allowed his songwriting to mature and has lent authenticity to his live performance.
At 28, he is fresh, diverse and a bit of an “old soul,” naming Pearl Jam’s Vs. (among other widely-varied poly-jamory) as his current first to the “Albums for a Deserted Island” list. The self-described tech geek recorded his new single at his home studio, and has undertaken the Herculean task of producing and packaging hard copies.
In an easy telephone interview that quickly relaxed into more of a catch-up with an old friend (whom I’ve never met), I had a diverse chat with Dakota about everything from video games to rural healthcare. We delved into Old West history, deep, dark musical secrets, and even contemplated how sometimes the math just doesn’t math. Saylor (pronounced like “sailor”) is practically still a newlywed and has a toddler at home. He has a supportive family and a great job, and a new single dropping May 23 - everything to be happy and excited about - but still likes the sad stuff best.
He knew that the single’s title “Letterbomb” might be a turn off to some listeners, but when he came across the term at his job, it meant exactly what he was trying to describe: that feeling of being on a one-way track with nothing good waiting for you at the end. That feeling lends itself to the overall sound of the song which is squarely on the collision course between James Taylor and Tyler Childers. It’s infused with all of the beautiful and plaintive Appalachia one would imagine coming from growing up so near the Cumberland Gap.
The track starts as a fun yet nostalgic-feeling country ditty with guitar, banjo, and bass (all played by Saylor) that will get the proverbial toe tapping. The lyrics belie the sweetness, however, when we tune in to the lyrics and realize that we are walking into something from which we cannot walk out unscathed. Saylor sings, “Most nights I see the stars / But they don't look so bright / Maybe a closer look might tell me / Where you are tonight.” We are left wondering along with Saylor where ‘she’ might be and why ‘she’ went there, but the chorus lets us know that this is a two-way street: there are no innocent parties, no feelings left unhurt, and no blame that hasn’t been laid.
It is a lot to pack into just under three minutes, but Saylor does it artfully and meaningfully, with emotive delivery of sparse lyrics and a delightfully minimal production. It is fitting of a song whose color alone paints both a relatable and personalizable picture for listeners of many backgrounds, all of whom can hear the same song and come away with very different feelings and interpretations.
Saylor was absolutely on track when he said that [“Letterbomb”] “feels like the very first time I’ve put something together that transcends the words I put to paper.” “Letterbomb” does feel like the whole is greater than the sum of its parts, and we are so excited for this math to start mathing!
“Letterbomb” releases May 23 with a flurry of activity: Saylor will be appearing in an interview on WMMT (Applalshop radio), then performing at Raven Rock Trading Company, the Kentucky Mountain Laurel Festival, and a release party at the Harlan County Beer Company (check the respective venue’s socials for times). “Letterbomb” will be available on all streaming platforms wherever you get music.
