Kimo Forrest
Nashville, Tennessee, United States | SELF
Music
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Kimo Forrest, It’s Not About You
Never before has praising God been this heavy! Kimo Forrest combines powerful rock/metal ballads with strong and uplifting messages in each song on this album. Not only does Kimo push your faith to the extreme with these power ballads, but he also wrote, recorded, and produced the album virtually by himself! His raw voice and edgy sound captures both the message in scripture and the nodding of head-bangers in any venue. Fans of 12 Stone and Skillet will love this album. Prepare to take the word of God and the message of Jesus Christ, and have it rocked out!
Track 1: “Overload” is a great kick off to a rocking album. With wailing guitar rifs and sick vocal harmonies, the tone is set for a heavy and powerful CD. The production and arrangement are both flawless.
Track 5: “I Run” has a great hook! It is hard to not sing-along, even if you have only heard it for the first time. The progression of “I Run” is simple, yet full of conviction. Kimo does a great job of taking a deep love of God and effectively putting it into words and music. Excellent vocal harmonies!
Track 6: It’s clear why the album is named “It’s Not About You”; this song is the heart and soul of the album. It is heavy, it is in your face, and it is super catchy! The progression of the song is airtight, and is professionally produced.
Track 9: Just when you think you have experienced all of the amazing abilities of Kimo Forrest, you come across “Take Me Away From You”. It is beautifully refreshing as Kimo’s voice maintains a “Phil Collins-ish” style. The arrangement is just as powerful as the message.
Reviewed by David Lockwood of Bryan Farrish Radio Promotion. - Bryan Farrish Radio Promotion
Discography
"It's Not About You" - 2011 Ohana Records
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Bio
Kimo Forrest has been called "Nashville's Best Kept Secret" for far too long. A career that began in a small wine country town in Northern California at the age of 12, has led him to all 50 states, Canada, and Europe. He's performed with highly acclaimed artists across several genres, recorded in some of the finest studios in the world, had a song on a hit television series, and met the President of the United States three times! After decades as a professional touring and session musician, there are not many things he hasn't seen or done. “I know it sounds like a canned answer, but I have been truly blessed to be able to make a living in an industry I’m passionate about”, he says. Since the bulk of his work has been in a support role, all of this has been achieved with little or no recognition. To this he responds, “The accolades aren’t as important to me as they once were. If I’m able to keep food on the table and the lights on in my house by playing this old guitar, I’m living the dream. I’m blown away everyday that God has blessed me with an amazing wife of almost 20 years, and three children I absolutely adore, and don’t deserve. My life is all about His grace, and I’m all about spreading the Word.”
Kimo's debut solo project is a reflection of his devotion to his faith, and his dedication to his craft. An accomplished multi-instrumentalist and vocalist, every sound you hear on this project is performed by Kimo. He also handled production and engineering duties. Lyrically, Kimo's songs draw heavily from his personal struggles and his journey to Christianity, while musically leaning on heavy guitars and tight arrangements. "As far as secular Rock and Roll, I've always loved the guitar music from the 80's and 90's", he says. "Def Leppard, AC/DC, Journey, Guns and Roses...the usual cast of characters. I also find myself being drawn to some of the newer stuff like Shinedown, Skillet, Kutless and Sevendust. I'm sure a bit of all of it finds it's way into my music without me knowing. Heck, even Bob Marley and Rascal Flatts have a place in there...well, maybe not", he says laughing. Though his path has led him to play almost every style of music from progressive rock and r&b, to reggae and country, his original material has a clearly defined, focused sound, thanks to his production skills. Though Kimo is just beginning to pursue a solo career, the list of artists that have used his talent is long and extensive. A quick glance through his credits provides an insight to the high level he has worked at for years. One listen to Kimo's music and we believe you will agree..... It is time to let the secret out.
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