M Sparks Rosedale EP Release Show with Kyle Swartzwelder
August 10 at 7:00 pm-9:00 pm
$15.00
M Sparks
-Lisa Schaffer Photography
“In the enchanting realm of folk-inspired storytelling, M Sparks emerges as a captivating newcomer, wielding a musical pen dipped in sincerity. His latest song, “That Little Seed,” serves as the title track to the debut album, a poignant creation that germinated after a soul-stirring encounter with a Jane Goodall podcast. Drawing comparisons to legendary figures like Townes Van Zandt and John Prine, M Sparks doesn’t just echo their influences but weaves them into a sonic tapestry uniquely his own. The acoustic arrangement and the warm sincerity in his vocals invite listeners into an intimate space, as if M Sparks is sharing tales around a bonfire.” That’s what Certified Bop said about M Sparks’ debut album in 2022. Since then fans have been eager for more from this new artist.
After traveling to Nashville to record new music in early 2025, new music is indeed forthcoming. M Sparks worked with Dean Miller, son of Roger Miller, on these new recordings that will be turned into two EPs. The first 5-song EP, Rosedale, will be released in 2025 and another 5-song EP will be released in 2026.
The title Rosedale pays homage to the street in East Nashville where he and his wife stayed during the recording sessions. “I wanted to immerse myself in the culture of East Nashville and stay away from the Downtown area and other tourists.” Dean handpicked some of the finest session musicians in the biz for the recordings. Both Jenee Fleenor (fiddle) and Craig Young (bass) were nominated for the 2025 ACM Awards for their respective categories. The group worked out of Sound Emporium Studio in Nashville which most recently saw success with recordings of Sierra Farrell and Ringo Star. It’s also a former studio of Cowboy Jack Clement. “During the weeks leading up to the recording session, I watched ‘Shakespeare Was a Big George Jones Fan: ‘Cowboy’ Jack Clement’s Home Movies’ a few times, trying to make sure I summoned the good ghost of Cowboy. I think it worked.” The result in this sophomore effort is nothing less than stunning. While the inevitable influence of Townes and Prine is still detectable, the songs have a signature style that harkens back to artists who graced that very same studio so many years ago. “I was slightly intimidated by the photos of my heroes that lined the walls there, but I also said to them, ‘Alright y’all, let’s do this!’ The atmosphere in the room was so comfortable and the session musicians nailed the sound and vibe I was looking for and the flow was great. We recorded eight songs on the first day!”
These new recordings have definitely raised the bar for M Sparks and we are looking forward to how it is received by listeners. As M Sparks said, “Alright y’all, let’s do this!”
Important Dates:
M Spark’s Social:
Kyle Swartzwelder
A veteran of the folk scene, award-winning songwriter Kyle Swartzwelder has been winning audiences over with his deft lyrical storytelling and dynamic live performances. Kyle began his career in the coffee shops around the University of Delaware with his father’s 1968 Ovation Balladeer. After several years of cultivating his songwriting, Kyle moved on to the folk clubs and coffeehouses in the Philadelphia region and quickly developed a reputation as a top-notch songwriter and performer.
Recommended if you like – Jeffrey Foucault, Josh Ritter, Ryan Bingham, John Moreland, early Jackson Browne, early Neil Young.