Tranquil. Revitalizing. Humanizing. Those are just a few words that come to mind regarding the work of Brother Kestrel, the moniker of American Singer-songwriter Thom Routon. Hailing from Norfolk, Virginia, Brother Kestrel drew six years’ worth of inspiration from the streets as a busker in his home town before turning his talents to the recording studio. His powerful, emotive first release, the debut In the Earth - EP (2016), came from several indie-folk influences, such as Bon Iver and The Tallest Man On Earth, both of whom continue to shape his music and creativity. Brother Kestrel’s following release, To the Oceans Above (2021), focuses on human connection and loss, drawing from the raw emotions of both defeat and triumph, proving that through it all, it is still possible to rise again. His dip into his acoustic roots is not limited, however, as his work continues to incorporate several experimental sounds, instruments, and song structures; All to convey the importance of speaking out before the message is lost forever.