Song Premiere: Kelly Augustine "Hurt Too Big"

Originally from Oklahoma, but now calling Denver home, Kelly Augustine is an Americana-folk singer-songwriter who was recently chosen as a 2018 Kerrville New Folk Finalist as well as a 2018 Al Johnson Performing Songwriter Contest Finalist (Wildflower Arts & Music Festival) for her original material.

Now the singer-songwriter is preparing to release her debut full-length, Light in the Lowlands, which was recorded in Oklahoma with Grammy-nominated producer Wes Sharon (John Fullbright, the Turnpike Troubadours). Of her decision to record in Oklahoma, Kelly says, “I haven’t lived there in years, but the music that has been inspiring me most over the last few years is all coming out of there. It was an honor and a dream come true to make this record there and be able to work with Wes Sharon and musicians like the legendary Byron Berline on fiddle and mandolin and Gabriel Pearson (Turnpike Troubadours) on drums and percussion.” 

Today, TDC is incredibly honored to premiere the first song from Kelly's upcoming project, "Hurt Too Big." Led by crystal clear, gentle finger-picking and Kelly's ethereal, sorrowful vocals the stunningly impactful "Hurt Too Big" relays the haunting story of a soldier's despair and lost innocence.

"A shiny black Mercedes driving full speed
Another swig of cheap alcoholic’s gin
This time the bullet is his conscience
This time he’s willing it to end
He knows what he did full well the day that cradle fell"

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Credit: Kit Chalberg

Kelly shares the story behind the song,
"I've always been interested in war history and read an incredible book by James Bradley called "Flags of Our Fathers." I was struck by the men's stories in that book and particularly saddened by how young they were to endure what they endured. It got me thinking about the loss of innocence that occurs to a young person when he or she sees or does certain things (specifically in the context of war) at such a young age. There is a great cost associated with such a loss of innocence. Some lose their lives fighting so we can be free. Others make it home but are scarred and never really recover. Both cases are devastating. Our culture often thinks of those that make it home as being the lucky ones. We tend to forget (or choose to ignore) that some of those that make it home are just as "gone" mentally as those that lost their lives. I want us not to forget those people. "Hurt Too Big" is a mix of all of our stories. It's about my grandfathers who fought in World War II, your friend who fought in Vietnam, my friend who fought in Afghanistan, and every family and friend who is touched by the horrors of war."

It is not only the lyrics that make "Hurt Too Big" so striking, but the melody as well, which despite being subdued, heightens the emotional impact of the song. Kelly notes, "I wanted the music to be simple so the story would stand out. I also wanted the music to convey the despair I feel when I think about the cost of war and innocence lost."

Listen to, and share, "Hurt Too Big" above and read on to learn more about Kelly Augustine.

Currently, you are a finalist in two songwriting competitions, which speaks to the quality of your songwriting. Can you elaborate on which contests they are and what being nominated means to you? 
"I'm a finalist in the Al Johnson Performing Songwriter Contest which is part of the Wildflower Arts and Music Festival in Richardson, TX. I was chosen as one of ten finalists to complete on Saturday, May 19th. Three winners will be chosen and a people's choice award given. The second competition is the Kerrville New Folk Competition which is part of the Kerrville Folk Festival in Kerrville, Texas. The competition takes place May 26th and 27th and six winners from a total of 32 finalists will be chosen. Being chosen a finalist is a dream come true for me! I figured I had nothing to lose by applying for the contests but never actually thought I'd have a chance at being in the finals. That in and of itself makes me feel really proud. Over the last year and a half I've worked diligently at being a more prolific and being a better songwriter. At times, it has been a lonely and isolating process. It's nice to see some of my hard work pay off!"  

Growing up, Kelly listened to the folk music inspired by the turmoil of the Vietnam War era and finds inspiration in modern-day troubadours. “I loved folk music from the very beginning because it had a cause and it challenged me to think about the world outside of myself. Lyle Lovett is one of my favorite songwriters of all time, John Fullbright, Evan Felker of the Turnpike Troubadours, Darrell Scott, Patti Griffin, and Joni Mitchell."
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As for the albums she returns to often? Kelly offers a few of her favorites.
John Fullbright - "From the Ground Up" - I listened to this and only this record for months
Lyle Lovett - "Anthology, Volume 1: Cowboy Man," any Lyle record really - I think I have them all
The Turnpike Troubadours - "The Turnpike Troubadours"
Foy Vance- "The Joy of Nothing"
Dave Matthews Band - "Busted Stuff" is my all-time favorite record to work out to
Sting - "Ten Summoner's Tales" takes me back to car trips with my family growing up

"Hurt Too Big" will be added to Spotify and Apple Music on May 11th. 
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