Standing in the sweaty basement of The First Unitarian Church of Philadelphia I watched Field Medic perform his acoustic folk music to a crowd of punk rock teens. After a set of moshing and crowd surfing Field Medic, walked on stage with his boom box and acoustic guitar, in black overalls with long black chipped nails. The crowd became calm, taking in his soothing voice and the cassette tape that provided a steady drumbeat like the one you'd hear off of a Casio keyboard.
Field Medic's music and persona is the definition of DIY. His album "Songs From The Sunroom" was recorded entirely out of his San Francisco sunroom/bedroom over the course of two years. Kevin Patrick (aka Field Medic) believes that "all expression is valid," leading to him recording all of the songs he's written and allowing him to have the freedom to do whatever makes him happy. During an interview, he explained that "I play music because it makes me feel better when I feel bad and it makes me feel better when I feel good, as well. It just feels good to do." He's not preoccupied with trying to make the most money or become the most famous musician, and that gives him room to put love into every song he writes.
What draws me to Field Medic is not only his low fi sound but also the way his music can instantly relax any angry thoughts in your brain. Influenced by the emo acoustic duos born from MySpace and the folk music from Bob Dylan, Field Medic is exactly what the world needs right now.
I suggest you listen to "Powerful Love" if you are looking to listen to a jam, "Glitter" if you want great lyrics, "Pegasus Thotz" or "Neon Flowers" to feel tranquil or "Let Freedom Ring 2" if you are looking for today's protest song.
