14KT - The Golden Hour Sdtrk

Title: The Golden Hour Sdtk
Artist: 14KT
Release Date: October 14, 2008
Record Label: A-Side Worldwide
Producers: 14KT, 1914

I could start this write-up by diving right into 14KT’s impressive resume. The Michigan resident has been producing music for years as part of the Lab Techs and has had his hand in the success of fellow Athletic Mic League members such as Buff1 and DJ Haircut. But despite his previous work, 14KT’s debut solo album, The Golden Hour Sdtk, deserves its own recognition as an impressive and inspirational piece of work.

14KT chose to include the phrase, “The Golden Hour,” in his album title because it refers to the hour directly after an individual experiences serious trauma. That hour is the pivotal point where an individual can go either way; the moment of divergence between life and death. And feeling like he was at the pivotal point in his life, 14KT decided to proactive in his own direction and put together a 21 track album.

It hit me that I felt I was in the "Golden Hour" of my career; the time between life and death. Thinking of all my disappointments, accomplishments, mistakes, failed plans, sacrificed time, relationships, confusion, lost opportunities, sound identity crisis, times of laziness and hard work, I felt like I was going thru somewhat of a major “trauma” in my music career and the next projects I put out will be like my “medicine” or “definitive care” in the operating room [the studio].

It’s appropriately titled, as 14KT’s production serves as an impeccable soundtrack to a listener’s daily life. It’s perfect to throw on to motivate and keep you going as you’re getting through those tireless duties and emails at your 9-5. Each song on the album promotes positivity and enjoying life.

It’s difficult to only recognize individual tracks on this album, as The Golden Hour is most effective as a complete project; taking all of it in with one sitting. However, I found myself most intrigued by three tracks in the middle of the album, starting with “ICU Smile,” then “Can We? (Chill Again),” and followed up with “Trust Issues.”

14KT’s work is refreshing and original. At the end of listening to The Golden Hour Sdtk, you will feel like you’ve recharged your batteries and are ready to face another day, and may even be good enough to motivate listeners to emerge from their own pivotal point and create their own Golden Hour.