KALEO rang in the release of their long-awaited third album, MIXED EMOTIONS, with a cozy and unforgettable night at the Nashville American Legion clubhouse, tucked away just on the outskirts of the city. It wasn’t your typical album release party, this one felt like a true family gathering. Only 100 tickets were made available to the public, and the rest of the room was filled with the band’s closest friends and family. But no matter how you got through the doors, everyone was welcomed like an old friend.
The vibe for the night was laid-back and intimate, with all the right touches, cigars, tacos, tattoos, and of course, live music. Right when you walked in, photographers were ready to snap portraits, you were treated to a timeless black-and-white look which you text to yourself from the kiosk the photographer had set up or go full-on ethereal with dreamy aura photos which were printed Polaroid style.
If you were lucky enough to hop in line early, you might’ve scored a free tattoo from EMC Tattoos, who were offering designs inspired by KALEO’s signature style and iconography. Out back under the gazebo, cigars were passed around and guitars were set out for anyone to strum. The Pie City Taco Truck served up a delicious Mexican spread, fueling the crowd with flavor as the evening rolled on.
As the sun set, the energy shifted inside. KALEO took the stage, yes, a tiny stage, a rare sight for a band that usually plays massive venues like Red Rocks (which, fun fact, was their next stop). The intimate space made it all the more powerful as they delivered a killer set filled with fan favorites like “Gringo” and “Way Down We Go,” plus seven brand-new tracks from MIXED EMOTIONS. “Bloodlines” and “Memoir” made their live debut, and JJ Julius Son’s voice was absolutely unreal, moving effortlessly from bone-rattling lows to sky-high falsettos. Rubin Pollock’s guitar work and Daniel Kristjansson’s bass lines added their usual magic, and the harmonica work from Thorleifur Davidsson gave the set that extra soulful grit that makes a KALEO show so unique.
The KALEO Kick Back was more than just a release party, it was a shared moment between the band and their fans, full of connection, music, and love for what’s to come. If you haven’t checked out MIXED EMOTIONS yet, now’s the time. It’s everything fans could’ve hoped for and then some. KALEO’s 3rd album, MIXED EMOTIONS is available now on all streaming platforms, https://kaleo.lnk.to/MIXEDEMOTIONS.
Follow KALEO on their socials below:
KALEO: Instagram // Facebook
