Joseph Kuhl is a singer-songwriter from Athens, Georgia. His new single, "The Witness," is bold and emotionally powerful, showing that he is still making his own unique music and marking a turning point in Kuhl's sound, blending grit, empathy, and genuine musical intent.
Kuhl has always liked telling stories, but "The Witness" takes it to the next level by adding a rock-and-roll sense of urgency to personal experience and global awareness. Originally a folk-rock ballad, the song was brought back to life during a passionate overnight session at The Last House Studio. John Neff from Drive-By Truckers, Carlton Owens from Cracker, and Jason Fuller, who plays keyboard on tour, all worked together to turn a soft meditation into a powerful rock song, and you can hear the dedication and spontaneity in every note of the session. The organ crescendos, guitar textures, and rhythmic tension all come together to make something that isn't just a style or genre. Co-produced with the well-known sound engineer and collaborator Micah Bennet, it has the warmth and depth of analog production, giving its message a solid foundation. Kuhl mixes the best parts of blues legends, Bob Dylan's storytelling style, and REM's emotional immediacy to make new music that sounds like old music.
The sound of it is all about the War in Gaza. Kuhl's personal connections to the Middle East and the ongoing tragedy there are what make the song so emotional. The song asks people to really think about how much people are hurting and how war and colonization have long-lasting effects, without judging them.
"The Witness" is a message. It's a big step toward his long-awaited second album, and it reminds us that music can still make us think, challenge us, and connect with other people.
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