‘The Leader’ Feature
DIY musician Unknown Component appearing locally
By Sean Ambruster
October 22, 2009
Keith Lynch has been writing songs under the moniker Unknown Component since 2002.
Working on his as-yet untitled ninth album (due Spring 2010), Lynch is currently touring to support his Unreleased Songs II album of odds and ends songs from the last few years that weren’t previously released. The folk artist borrows heavy from the sound of ‘90s-era British rock bands.
Based in Iowa City, Lynch writes, records, and performs his own music. The do-it-yourself ethic is at the core of Unknown Component, as Lynch only performs by himself.
Lynch’s recordings boast a full sound with drums, synths, guitar effects, and various other ear candies.
Being eight albums deep, the Unknown Component catalogue is already pretty expansive. Lynch felt it important to put out 2009’s Unreleased Songs II to showcase the song sketches and previously unreleased material he has written over the past few years.
A true songwriter ethic is at the clear forefront of Unknown Component, as can be inferred from the numerous releases.
The releases progress in songwriting and sonic quality, but each have something unique to offer. “I started out with a really basic setup on a four-track cassette recorder,” Lynch said.
A few years ago, Lynch moved into digital production software suites Sonar and Cakewalk. These are some of the many software options available to do-it-yourself musicians to create an instant home studio.
Lynch believes that music production software has allowed many artists to make true solo projects. “It used to have to be a collaboration between the songwriter and the producer on the other side of the glass. The producer was just as important as the songwriter.”
Lynch is in love with the idea that one man can now write, record, and mix songs from an album by himself.
Aside from songwriting and recording, the DIY musician ethic requires some promotion. Using the normal outlets of Myspace, Facebook, Youtube, and a personal website (www.unknowncomponent.com), Lynch keeps his fans and followers up-to date.
On the Unknown Component website, fans can view Lynch’s seven music videos and various interview footage. The page also contains a few free songs from each album for download. All of his full albums are available for low prices through the iTunes music store.
Lynch will appear in Elmhurst on October 28, when he will perform and do an interview on the college radio station WRSE 88.7 between three and four p.m.
Afterwards Lynch will perform at Flight 112 Wine House (112 W Park Ave) in downtown Elmhurst.