Song of the Day: Nic Hessler - Expel Me

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 selection, featured on the Midday Show with Cheryl Waters, is “Expel Me” by Nic Hessler from the 2015 album Soft Connections on Captured Tracks.

Nic Hessler - Expel Me (MP3)

Rooted in '60s pop and psychedelic tones, Nic Hessler's songwriting charges that decade's floating energy with spiky momentum. The Oxnard, California-based musician began writing and recording songs early on, releasing a pair of 7"s for the indie label Yay! under the moniker Catwalk. By the age of 18, Hessler had signed to Captured Tracks and was prepped to release his full-length debut and go on tour when he suddenly fell ill. Diagnosed with Guillain–Barré Syndrome, Hessler fortunately recovered enough to finish the album and release it four years after its original release date. Containing some reworked material from the Catwalk era as well as songs written during his recovery, Hessler's debut album Soft Connections sounds like the work of an artist rejuvenated and reenergized. "Expel Me" bounces with a New Wave strut and moans like an old school R&B tune ("I got caught playing with your heart/now I'm on my knees"). Hessler's a suave vocalist, accenting his pining choruses with sharply shot-off verses and a slick guitar solo. "Expel Me" is an outstanding pop tune anchored by well-paced songwriting, but what really makes it soar is Hessler's vocal performance, a turn that's a charismatic and immediate (re)introduction to the renewed songwriter.

Nic Hessler is set to sporadically play shows in California, but has not announced a more extensive tour behind Soft Connections. Keep up with Nic at his Twitter and Facebook pages, and listen to the Soft Connections single "I Feel Again" below.