Kevin Holdson - Campfire Songs EP (2025) Hi-Res

Hailing now from the Greensboro Triad area in North Carolina, Kentucky-raised Americana country folk musician Kevin Holdson has a new EP just out, Campfire Songs. The songs hit directly on the Americana target – with nostalgic storytelling and an easy grace that differentiates him as a true quality songwriter. Kevin is a flatpicker and his fluid playing draws you in with a smooth mellowness that highlights the rich sound of the strings of his vintage acoustic guitars.

In “Lay Me Down” we are introduced to Kevin’s easygoing acoustic guitar style, rich with gentle melodies and a touch of fiddle. His song addresses family and small town struggles: ‘Worked these fields with my father, grandpa he had worked them too, a plot of land up near Ohio where the cold wind blows and everyone knows my name. Work was rough, life was tough but we got by.”

In “There is a Light,” Kevin’s acoustic melodies gently rock your mood in a song of impending breakups and soul searching in the evening hours: “cold sheets of rain fall down as I walk around this town, find a bar and settle down for the night. There’s a light at the end of the tunnel, mama always said that you were trouble.”

‘Red Bandana” has had some early play on streaming services and this is a slightly more uptempo song about how you can break your own heart chasing a dream. And it offers quiet resolution : “If you ever get to thinking of coming around, you’ll know where I’ll be found. If you love me or if you need me, I’m right here.”

Closing out the collection, “Irish Whiskey” is a confessional realization that if we don’t reflect and take action, we’ll repeat unhealthy patterns: “I’ve learned some lessons.” Again, all delivered over thoughtful, rich acoustic guitar.

This EP is truly heartfelt songs in a sea of others who merely claim that’s the case. Kevin is a collector of vintage acoustic guitars including a 1944 Gibson J-45. You can hear some of the richness of these guitars flatpicked here. Campfire Songs was written, produced, mixed, and mastered by Kevin. Musicians on the album are Kevin Holdson on vocals and guitar; Philip Kuehn on bass; and Joe Deninzon on strings.