Arlo McKinley Hopes to Fulfill John Prine’s Vision For Him, Discusses ‘Die Midwestern’

When John Prine comes to see you play a show in Nashville, you know you’re onto something. Even for someone who has been singing since they could talk – as Cincinnati-based Country songwriter, Arlo McKinley, has – seeing one of the greatest songwriters to ever pluck a six-string and pen a verse in the audience is a one-of-a-kind moment. McKinley, who later signed to the now-late Prine’s Oh Boy Records label, will release his debut 10-track LP, Die Midwestern, on August 14th with the spirit of hall of famer in his heart.

“It was the first and only time I’ve been just star struck,” says the 40-year-old McKinley, recalling the performance. “It was a surreal moment knowing that he’s there to watch you do what you do. It means the world to me.”