In addition to documenting much of the wonderful music that’s being made in and around Milwaukee itself, we here at Milwaukee Record also try to keep tabs on new output from musicians who previously called the city home and are now living elsewhere. One such former Cream City creative is Kirstin Edwards, a Milwaukee native who is now working to make a name for herself in Berlin, Germany under the “Queen Quail” musical moniker.
Edwards has been living in Berlin for more than four years, writing songs and cracking her way into the German capital’s music scene along the way. Her debut EP, the six-song Narcissus, will be released Tuesday, November 21. According to the budding indie folk talent, the EP draws inspiration from her ongoing experience of finding her place in a foreign land while also looking back to her formative years in Milwaukee. Queen Quail released “Last Night”—the forthcoming effort’s lead single—back in September. Today (well, technically late yesterday here in Milwaukee on account of the time difference!), the project chased that song with a second single.
“Southside” begins as a wistful number that finds Edwards draping delicate vocals and lonesome lyrics atop soft-strummed electric guitar. As the sub-three-minute song reaches its final 60 seconds, a wave of pounding percussion, distorted guitar, and even some pedal steel provided by Milwaukee’s own Will Hansen (of Old Pup notoriety) swells to bring the emotive track to a memorable and satisfying conclusion. Take a quick aural excursion to Germany, get to know Berlin (by way of Milwaukee) project Queen Quail, and listen to “Southside” below.
And check out the wonderful music video for the song that was just released this morning as well!