Singer-songwriter Bo Staloch released his stunning sophomore EP, “The Garden,” via Capital Records as his birthday present to fans. At just 20 years old, Staloch has a defined and singular sound, pulling inspiration from folk and Americana genres. His raw and emotional vocals, coupled with layered acoustic instrumentals, make his music goosebump-evoking and visceral. A true artist in all senses of the word, Staloch feels as though his writing process is subconscious and creativity can strike at any time. He has traveled across the globe and describes the EP as “a roller coaster of sounds and emotions and lyrics and stories, all of it” influenced by “noticing things, whether that’s on an airplane or at the airport, or at a coffee shop or whatever, there’s just so many stories happening all around you all the time” he shared with 1824 and ECHO. He credits collaborator Andrew Wells as an amazing “translator of my thoughts to music” who helped him feel for the first time that the music on “The Garden” truly reflects his vision.
The title track, “The Garden,” is a love letter to his family of today and his children of tomorrow. Staloch created these songs by “letting go of fear for them,” and celebrating the power of community. A major theme of his work and advice for upcoming artists is “leaning into the trust you have for yourself…if you learn to trust yourself and you learn that whatever you’re writing about is what you’re supported to be writing about I think that’s so important.” He revealed that “people can see through when you’re not being genuine, so I think it’s important to really stick to yourself.” “The Garden” may be his most honest piece of work yet, a testament to his ability to walk the walk.
The soundscape pulls from a sincere place of childhood memories. He recalls visiting his Dad’s farm in Minnesota where “there’s this huge willow tree, and I remember playing in the willow tree and losing myself but also finding myself in the willow tree, and it was this special, awesome thing. I think when I write a song, I’m subconsciously trying to recreate that feeling of being in the willow tree.”
The singer, raised in Texas, disclosed that attending concerts as a fan encouraged him to start making his own music. He remembers the exact moment everything clicked: a Mt. Joy and Briston Maroney show at Stubbs. He recalls being mesmerized by the crowd, noticing there was a couple dancing, an older man crying, and a father and son singing to each other. The idea that people could “truly be themselves” in a live music environment is something Staloch strives to replicate at his own shows.
The star will join Ashe on “The Trilogy Tour” in May, which will be the first time fans get to hear the new EP since its release. “I enjoy our set and our live sound as much or more than our recorded stuff. It’s just being in the room with them and doing these songs live is just such a cool and special thing,” he revealed, “music, in general, is such a superpower.” He feels like “the luckiest person” since he has the opportunity to be “creating a moment for someone.”
A garden requires care and attention to grow in the same way one’s personal relationships do. Staloch enjoyed the idea that a garden is also a “tangible thing and something you can kind of place yourself in.” Drawing on garden imagery as a metaphor, Staloch got candid about what fears he had to bury in his garden to become a musician. He divulged that he was too anxious to attend his own birthday parties as a kid. Now, as a budding musician primed to reach the global stage, Staloch is ready to celebrate his birthday with the world with the release of “The Garden” EP.
The Garden is out now. Make sure to get tickets to “The Trilogy Tour” to catch Staloch on the road this summer. Where to Find Bo Staloch: Website | Instagram | TikTok | YouTube
Featured Photo Credit: Travis Bailey
