Song of the Day: Kris Orlowski - Believer

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 Midday Show with Cheryl Waters, is “Believer” by Seattle's Kris Orlowski from the 2014 self-released album of the same name.

Kris Orlowski - Believer (MP3)

For the last year or so, Kris Orlowski has been distinguished visually by his mustache (seen above in its infant stages). But there is something else that distinguishes Kris: his beautifully warm, yet gravely voice. The charming songwriter is present, friendly and can move you with his full band or with a simple acoustic guitar. His latest album, Believer, is an ode to his influences, his path as a composer and a right on statement about doing the good work. This is evident in the opening track, "All My People", a song highlighted by a booming chorus pushing us to be unique and, above all, creative.

The second song on the LP, "Believer", has a bit more darkness to it. It's an attempt - and a successful one at that - to prove that Kris aims to stick around for the sake of the art. "I'll be here until it's right," he sings. "Stand tall, I'm a believer." The lyrics are buoyed by echoing background vocals, a heavy kick drum and a universal sense of hard work all around us. It's an inspiring track in a world of doubt. It's a song you can pump your fist to. It's a song, in many ways, to cherish.

Kris has a slew of U.S. tour dates scheduled at this time, all of which you can see on his website and Facebook page, including stops in the East Coast and the South. You can also watch the music video for "Believer" right here: