David Bayless brings vulnerability to the forefront on EP, "Seismic"

David Bayless’ new EP, Seismic, is the kind of record that reminds you why imperfection can be the most powerful instrument of all. At just 16 minutes and five tracks, it’s a compact, intimate portrait of a songwriter choosing vulnerability over polish, and in the process creating something that feels unbelievably alive.

From the very first notes, Bayless’ layered fingerpicked guitar becomes the foundation on which the whole project rests. His playing is understated and deeply emotive, carrying a sensation that feels like it’s linked directly to the songwriter’s breath. Each note lands with intention, the spaces between them just as telling as the chords themselves. The guitar work feels like the crux of the EP, grounding the songs while also allowing them to drift into a meditation.

Bayless’ voice is soft and steady, sort of creating the perfect counterpart. Double-tracked, it carries a confessional quality that makes the listener feel as though they’re sitting in the same room as the performance unfolds. There’s a subtle power in his delivery in the way he manages to hold emotional weight within restraint. His vocals come across strong but never overbearing. It’s really his range that shows off his capabilities, from the softer tracks to the slightly more upbeat ones.

What we love so much is that no pitch correction or Autotune was used. Instead, he leans into the rawness of his voice, the creak of the strings, and the overall realness that this whole record delivers.

Listening to Seismic is like catching a late night conversation with an old friend, the kind where the world outside doesn’t matter. It’s relaxing and immersive, but also brimming with a sense of quiet urgency. The versatility on this record is endless. We listened in a quiet room with no distractions and it made all the difference of truly being present in the moment.

Bayless has crafted a beautiful record here, one that proves that sometimes the most powerful statement an artist can make is to strip everything back and let the music breathe. It speaks for itself and we know you’re going to love it. Click those links below to listen in, follow along, and to stay tuned for more!

Listen to “Seismic”

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Austin SherComment