It’s always been about the music for Kyle Hancharick, an acclaimed singer/songwriter from Warwick, New York. His passionate performances are punctuated by a crisp acoustic guitar, soaring tenor vocals, and skillful songwriting meant to move and inspire the listener. This is shown in his 2018 EP “Breathe,” a four-song project consisting only of acoustic guitar, bass, and vocals.
Kyle began his musical journey young. His earliest influences were from the songs of John Denver and Bob Dylan. When he was 8, Kyle played live for the first time. It was at a Bob Dylan Festival at a local winery. With his 3/4-size guitar slung around his small torso and a harmonica holder around his neck, he took to the stage with about 100 people gathered. No one expected what they would hear. This sweet, shy little boy blew them away with his version of “Blowin’ in the Wind.” He gave the most memorable performance of the day.
As he grew up, Kyle’s influences diversified. He discovered Richard Shindell, David Wilcox and Ellis Paul, master storytellers who would have tremendous impacts on his work. He identified with the working class anthems of Bruce Springsteen. He reveres their musicianship, their poetry, and their stories.
Throughout all of this, Kyle has begun to make a name for himself in the folk music circle. He has performed on the Emerging Artists Showcase at the 2018 Falcon Ridge Folk Festival, and he has opened shows for the likes of Ellis Paul, Jay Ungar and Molly Mason, Lucy Kaplansky, and Red Molly. His upbeat love song, “How You Say Goodbye” was covered by Ellis Paul for his 2019 album “The Storyteller’s Suitcase.”
Most recently, Kyle’s song “Lucky Man” has been featured on the 2023 Christine Lavin produced compilation, “The Seasons Project.” And he is currently recording his second full-length album.
Kyle takes in the world, processes it and turns it into song with his own special touch. He has a unique take on things, a view of the world others may not necessarily notice. He continues to grow as an artist, sharing his story and messages of love and peace.
Above all, though, it’s still about the music.
