Til The Glitter End: KP Hawthorn Finds Her Own Shine
By Christian Lamitschka for Country Music News International Magazine
KP Hawthorn has long been a vital presence in the modern Americana landscape, her influence stretching from her work as a singer-songwriter and producer to her role as a label co-founder and advocate for countless artists. With her upcoming debut solo album, “Til The Glitter End,” set to release on September 12, 2025, via Mule Kick Records, Hawthorn steps into a well-deserved spotlight, offering a shimmering collection that reintroduces her established artistry with fresh depth and a distinct personal vision.
For fans of The HawtThorns and CALICO the band, this album feels like both a homecoming and a revelation. “Til The Glitter End” takes a selection of songs previously heard with CALICO and reimagines them, imbuing them with a new sonic richness that only a solo venture can truly achieve. This isn’t just a rehash; it’s a careful deconstruction and reassembly, allowing the emotional core of each track to truly resonate. The result is a captivating blend of California country, dream-pop textures, and emotionally charged Americana that feels both familiar and refreshingly new.
The production, helmed by Hawthorn herself alongside Steve Berns at Fitting Room Studio in East Nashville, is meticulously crafted. It’s clear that every note, every subtle layer, has been thoughtfully placed. The musicianship on the album is, as expected, top-tier. Ted Pecchio’s upright bass provides a warm, grounded foundation, while Chris Benelli’s drums and percussion add both precision and a delicate touch. And then there’s Johnny Hawthorn, whose electric guitar work weaves through the tracks with both fiery energy and nuanced restraint, providing perfect counterpoints to KP’s vocals.
One of the album’s unexpected delights is a honeyed, soulful cover of Led Zeppelin’s “Going to California.” This choice might seem surprising at first glance, but in Hawthorn’s hands, it becomes a natural fit, adding another layer to the album’s overarching West Coast mystique and showcasing her vocal versatility. It’s a testament to her ability to interpret and transform, making even an iconic song feel uniquely her own.
The album’s rollout offers enticing glimpses into its sonic landscape. The first single, “Fool’s Gold,” which dropped on July 18th, offers a taste of the album’s shimmering sound. Following that, “High Road,” featuring the legendary guitar work of Rosie Flores, arriving on August 15th, promises to be a powerful collaboration. These singles suggest an album rich in both introspection and spirited collaboration.
Beyond her musical output, KP Hawthorn’s influence extends far and wide. Her voice and songs have become mainstays in television placements, a testament to their universal appeal. As a co-founder of Mule Kick Records and Mule Kick Productions, she has consistently championed the work of other Americana and alt-country artists, including India Ramey, Amanda Platt and the Honeycutters, Alice Wallace, and Rosie Flores. This dedication to the community underscores her deep commitment to the genre she inhabits so gracefully. Furthermore, her current endeavor of developing a documentary on The Palomino Club, the legendary North Hollywood venue that shaped California country, highlights her dedication to preserving and celebrating the roots of this music.
“Til The Glitter End” isn’t just an album; it’s a statement. It’s KP Hawthorn, confidently stepping into her own, offering a collection that is both deeply personal and universally resonant. This debut solo effort promises to be a significant addition to the Americana canon and a testament to the enduring power of her artistry.