Song of the Day: Battleme - Just Weight

Every Monday through Friday, we deliver a different song as part of our Song of the Day podcast subscription. This podcast features exclusive KEXP in-studio performances, unreleased songs, and recordings from independent artists that our DJs think you should hear. Today’s song, featured on the Morning Show with John Richards, is “Just Weight” by Battleme from the 2013 Weight on the Brain EP on El Camino.

Battleme - Just Weight (MP3)

Singer/songwriter Matt Drenik has been making waves in the music industry since 2006 when he began his tenure as frontman of the heavy metal band Lions. In 2009, he decided to expand his musical horizons and created the persona Battleme as a solo creative outlet. Judging by Lions' hard rocking sound, Drenik's style as Battleme may come as a bit of a surprise. Self-described as "slacker pop," his genre versatility proves that he's certainly no one trick pony. His debut album garnered enough acclaim to land him a spot at out Capitol Hill Block party in 2012 and at last year's SXSW festival. Not only is he a sought after live performer, but his music has made the successful jump into television. The A&E hit show Sons of Anarchy has featured several of his songs, including a popular cover of Neil Young's "Hey Hey, My My."

Today's offering, "Just Weight", opens like a guitar heavy, punk rock ballad, but it swiftly transitions into a more mellow, addictive melody. You can almost feel the way Drenik's relocation from Texas to Portland has influenced his easygoing and effortless sound. The upcoming full length album, Future Runs Magnetic, will include all four songs from the Weight on the Brain EP as well as several other songs that he has been working on since December of 2012. Look for Future Runs Magnetic to drop on February 25.

According to his Facebook, Battleme was set to perform at Timber Winter Music Festival in Leavenworth, but unfortunately had to cancel his appearance due to the passing of a close friend. To find up-to-date announcements and tour dates check out his official website and Facebook page. For now, watch Battleme take on the end of the world in the video for "Just Weight" below.