Stripping it back.
Koe Wetzel recently headlined Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Morrison Colorado, and he took some time while he was there to record a special acoustic performance of “Good Times.”
Written by Koe alongside Steph Jones, Charlie Handsome, Josh Serrato and producer Gabe Simon, it’s Koe’s most recent release, which he put out as a bonus track from his 9 Lives album that was released back in July.
The subject matter finds him reflecting on his wild ways and how he’s not necessarily that same, crazy young guy anymore, which was a huge topic and point of focus on the record as a whole, and Koe says it’s a direct reflection of where he’s at in his life now:
“Every record’s almost turning a new leaf, always a left turn because of how honest I am. I want fans to know that there’s a different side of me, not just the sex, drugs, and rock & roll Koe that they may have heard about online.
I’ve grown up a little bit. I’m no longer the 20-year-old kid that’s partying down and getting thrown in jail all the time. 9 Lives reveals a vulnerable side that people may not be used to hearing.”
In terms of the production on the studio cut, it’s certainly more subdued and easier to digest with less in-your-face, driving guitars and super loud drums, and certainly shows off a different side of who he is as an artist in pretty much every way.
I, of course, love the stripped back, acoustic version of this song, and I always feel like Koe’s vocals shine when he performs with a simple set up like this.
One day, I’d love to get a fully acoustic album or something like that because it really suits him and allows his music to shine in a completely different way than what fans are used to. Check it out:
The studio cut:
Koe wraps up his extensive Damn Near Normal world tour in Europe this week, and has two special Christmas shows planned for December.
Remaining Damn Near Normal World Tour Dates:
Oct. 26 Manchester, U.K. || Academy 3
Oct. 27 London, U.K. || The Garage
Oct. 30 Glasgow, U.K. || Oran Mor
Oct. 31 Birmingham, U.K. || Academy 2
Nov. 1 Leeds, U.K. || Brudenell Social Club
Nov.3 Amsterdam, Netherlands || Melkweg (Oude Zaal)
Nov. 5 Hamburg, Germany || Bahnhof Pauli
Nov. 6 Berlin, Germany || Frannz Club
Nov. 7 Cologne, Germany || Club Volta
Additional Shows:
Dec. 26 Austin, Texas || Moody Center
Dec. 27 Fort Worth, Texas || Dickies Arena