Richmond Hill’s Kevin Zarnett continues the great tradition of fine Canadian songwriters by engaging audiences with intimate detail, intricate guitar playing, and an authentic voice. Whether delivering a barely strummed ballad or smart acoustic pop, Kevin’s singing has a laid back, soothing vibe, inviting his poetic yet accessible lyrics into your imagination, keeping you listening and wondering what will happen next.
"...strong writing avoids the sappy cliches that bogs down lesser breakup discs." (NOW MAGAZINE)
The respect for Kevin's songwriting has been demonstrated by the other artists who have recorded his songs, including Juno-nominated and CCMA nominated artist Kirsten Jones, folk-rock duo The Complements, Saskatoon band Longshot, and CCMA award winner Lisa Hewitt. Kevin's collaborations with the Paper Chain Gang have resulted in songs used in television episodes of "Better Call Saul" and "The Man in the High Castle." Produced by alt-country & Jayhawks legend Gary Louris, “There’s A Right Way (To Break My Heart)” co-written with Kirsten Jones and appearing on her “Mad Mile” CD, was featured in medium rotation on CBC Radio 2.
".. originals that are definite gems, whether you base your criteria on songwriting or performing. Kevin's voice is undeniably one of a folk singer - melodic but gritty, clearly passionate about the words he is singing." (BEING THERE MAGAZINE)
Says Kevin: Some people say my songs sound like Paul Simon (I assume mostly based on height similarities), Neil Finn (based on shoe size), Jackson Browne (based on the number of syllables in our first name), and Father John Misty (we both use the same recipe for homemade body wash: part old spice classic, axe snake peel, and something that gets spots out). I led and wrote for a band called "The Complements" that perhaps sounds familiar. I tend to be recognized by people I've never met and meet the rest for the first time repeatedly.
"...glimpses of a young Dylan are evident...catchy choruses and thoughtful insight." (SOUL SHINE MAGAZINE)
In addition to his own individual musical pursuits, Kevin’s sympathetic accompaniment has found him working in the studio or performing all across Canada with Juno-nominated artist Gregg Lawless, Grammy-winning artist Jennifer Gasoi, and up-and-coming artists Jenn Hisko and Laurelle Augustyn.
