Iowa City native Kelly Pardekooper is a singer/songwriter currently based in Madison, Wisconsin. He has toured all over the United States and Europe. He has showcased at SXSW in Austin. He has released 4 albums on various independent record labels in the U.S. and Europe. Jim Beam Whiskey gave him an emerging artist grant.... He just finished album number 5, “Brand New Bag” with Teddy Morgan producing in East Nashville.
Reflecting on a tumultuous year that saw him divorced, living out of his van for a time and then ultimately settling in Nashville, Kelly Pardekooper returns with an ambitious alt country effort, Haymaker Heart. This hearty set of 19 tracks offers solid roots rockers, bittersweet singer/songwriter tales and small-town observations threaded through with a certain spaghetti-western attitude. Kelly and bassist/backup vocalist John Svec handle the bulk of the music and production, with a flurry of guest appearances from veteran musicians we dig - guest vocals from Amy Finders, guitar and production on a few numbers by Teddy Morgan, and many more. Kelly`s finely honed alt country tunes are full of heartbreak and honesty, with rich vocals, mellifluous accordion and satisfying melodies. Highlights include “Not in Iowa» and “Tell Me (You’re the One)«.
“This Iowa Singer-Songwriter plays a loose combination of narrative songs that range in presentation from stark, acoustic guitar Folk to loud, endearingly sloppy Country Rock.” (Tom Heyman/Rolling Stone)