Kevin Lee & The Kings: Big Hooks, Chunky Guitars, and the Chicago Spirit
When Kevin Lee walks into a room, there’s a quiet confidence about him, the kind that only decades in rock ‘n’ roll can teach. His name has long been familiar to fans of power pop and melodic rock. But behind the big choruses and roaring guitars lies a story of resilience, reinvention, and relentless passion for the craft.
From Major Label to Midwest Rock Royalty
Lee’s journey began long before The Kings took the stage. “I’d been releasing albums and playing live under my own name since the mid-90s,” he recalls. “Around 2009, I decided to use a band name instead. I’ve always been influenced by hard rock and pop rock, and my songs are a mix of the two.”
His earlier chapter saw him fronting Kevin Lee & The Lonesome City Kings, a band that landed a major label deal with MCA Records in 1992. The experience was thrilling and humbling. “I was signed to MCA from 1992 to 1994,” he says. “It wasn’t a shift as much as a hard landing. Everything was a challenge; it still is. To go from working with a major label with connections all over the world and money to doing everything yourself is quite a fall.”
That fall, however, turned out to be a foundation. Independent life meant more control, fewer compromises, and an unfiltered version of the music Kevin always wanted to make.
The Kings Take Shape
Over the years, Lee’s lineup has evolved, but the core vision never wavered. Today, The Kings, featuring Michael Kurtz on lead guitar, Jim Kapcheck on bass, and Erik Strommer on drums, embody that sweet spot between precision and passion.
“We all have similar influences, which is part of why the band’s so on point,” Lee explains. “I bring in new songs, and it all falls in place pretty quickly because we’re all coming from the same place musically.”
That chemistry shines both in the studio and on stage. “It’s all about the songs,” he says. “Live, we go for more power. Recording, I think the subtleties make the songs shine.”
The Sound: Big Hooks, Chunky Guitars, and Heart
Ask Kevin to describe The Kings’ sound, and he’ll smile knowingly: “Classic rock-influenced modern rock. Big hooks and chunky guitars, that’s a good description.”
The band’s DNA traces back to the radio waves of Lee’s youth. “I always loved the rock hits on the radio as a kid, Cheap Trick, Bryan Adams, AC/DC, Tom Petty,” he says. “Those were my biggest influences, and they’re still the ones that stick. I listen to new bands from time to time, but I always come back to the 70s and 80s rock sound.”
It’s a balance he’s mastered, combining rock energy with melodic sensitivity. “It’s a fine line,” he admits. “A great rock song has both.”
Inside the Creative Process
Songwriting for Lee starts with the essentials. “Riffs, chords, and melody,” he says. “I’m very much a traditional singer-songwriter; it always starts that way.”
Each song begins in his home studio. “I record home demos of all the songs, I don’t let anyone hear anything till I have everything right from lyrics to the arrangement,” he says. “Then I give the band the demos I want to record, we work up the songs, record, and I go in with the engineer to mix everything. I’ve always produced or co-produced all my releases.”
Since moving from tape to Pro Tools in the early 2000s, his process has evolved, but his philosophy hasn’t. “Nothing new really,” he laughs. “They’re always improving computer programs, but I keep it simple, just go in and play. I’m much more conscious now of counter melodies and small nuances than I was years ago.”
He’s worked with Grammy-winning producer Frank Filipetti in the past, but these days Lee prefers a more hands-on approach. “I always work with the same engineers here in Chicago,” he says. “I have the final say, but I’m open to a good idea.”
Lightning Strikes: The New Chapter
Lee’s latest release, Lightning Strikes, marks another milestone for The Kings. “I was looking to make a record with muscle but extremely catchy,” he says. “Lightning Strikes is a little ballsier than Sticks & Stones. Sticks & Stones really epitomises our branding moniker: ‘Big Hooks & Chunky Guitars.'”
That formula, muscular riffs, hook-driven choruses, and emotional sincerity, continues to define his sound while giving fans something new to sink their teeth into.
Themes and Lyrics
For Lee, songwriting isn’t just a craft; it’s a reflection. “I primarily write about where I’m at at the moment in life,” he says. “But I’ve picked up ideas from stories friends have told me or conversations I’ve overheard.”
Asked if he has a favourite song lyrically, Lee’s answer is revealing: “I’m proud of all my songs. I work every day on lyrics and music. It’s all-consuming, really.”
That dedication comes through in his performances, whether roaring through an arena or delivering an intimate club set. “Live, it’s all about power,” he says. “Recording, it’s about the details that make the songs shine.”
The Road and the Lessons
From major tours with Cheap Trick, Pearl Jam, and REO Speedwagon to Midwest gigs with loyal crowds, Lee’s learned to adapt to every stage size. “I was REO Speedwagon’s opening act off and on for a few years, playing to huge crowds,” he recalls. “It took a minute to learn how to reach the audience in the back of the venue, your gestures, everything needs to be over the top. Going back to clubs, you tone it down, and you’re good.”
He remembers one night in particular: “I played the Auburn Hills sports arena outside Detroit with REO to 25,000 people. The band was on, the audience loved it. It was an amazing night.”
Still, the realities of the modern music industry haven’t escaped him. “It’s getting harder to book shows or get reviews,” he admits. “A million bands are fighting for the same space. I just keep pushing and looking for new opportunities.”
Chicago Roots, Midwest Soul
If there’s one thing Lee credits for his sound, it’s his Chicago roots. “Being based in Chicago has definitely helped shape my sound,” he says. “There’s a definite Midwest rock sound that all the songs embody. I’ve played in bands in other cities, but the approach here, the work ethic, the energy, it’s special.”
That community continues to fuel The Kings. “Your local and national fan bases are everything,” Lee says. “We’re active daily on social media, promoting shows and new releases. We even run ads in The Illinois Entertainer from time to time.”
Looking Ahead
When asked about his hopes for the future, Lee doesn’t hesitate. “I’m hoping we can build the band and get enough national recognition to open for big bands again,” he says. “Play bigger stages, get back to touring nationally, and get the music in as many hands as possible.”
And what does he hope listeners take away from his songs decades from now?
“My hopes are that people will love the songs, relate to the lyrics, and have some fun rocking out,” he says with a grin. “If I can help make someone’s day better with a song, then I did my job.”
Kevin Lee & The Kings aren’t chasing trends; they’re crafting timeless rock with heart, hooks, and honesty. From the gritty clubs of Chicago to the grand arenas of the past, their journey stands as proof that authenticity never goes out of style.
