Song of the Day: Joseph Giant - First And The Last To Know

Every Monday through Friday, we deliver a different song as part our Song of the Day podcast subscription. This podcast features exclusive KEXP in-studio performances, unreleased songs, and recordings from independent artists that our DJs think you should hear. Today’s song, featured on the Midday Show with Cheryl Waters, is “First And The Last To Know” by Joseph Giant from the 2014 self-released Lucky Love EP.

Joseph Giant - First And The Last To Know (MP3)

Joseph Syverson's transformation from punk rocker in Sidecar to country-rock artist Joseph Giant seemed unexpected, but the Seattleite grew up listening to the likes of Willie Nelson, thanks to his folk-singing father. He calls the transition in his work "a natural full circle." Syverson released his debut as Giant in 2011, having been a player in the local music scene for years, after working with Seattle bands like Throw Me the Statue and Pearly Gate Music. His latest release, Lucky Love, is Joseph Giant's first since 2011, with "First And The Last To Know" tapping into a more pop-tinged rock sound. Full, rolling guitar strains backed by outwardly simple percussion provide a carefree backdrop for Syverson's reverberant vocalizations of a hopeful search for happiness. The track's warm, laid-back straightforwardness cloaks years of musicianship, covertly compounding his skills into a charming song which makes it clear that Syverson's musical transformation isn't for naught.

Don't miss Joseph Giant LIVE on KEXP on December 13th at 6:30pm. You can befriend Joseph Giant on Facebook to keep up with his local happenings and listen to the rest of the Lucky Love EP on Bandcamp.