Korey McKelvy Band Released Debut Album Loving You
The local R&B group unveiled their nine-song record on September 25, 2026.
Updated on Oct. 11, 2026 in R&B
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The Korey McKelvy Band officially released their debut album, Loving You, on September 25, 2026. This collection features nine songs developed over the course of two to three years.
Why it matters
The release marks a significant milestone for the Fayetteville group, which refined its sound after bassist Tim Lauffer introduced funk and jazz fusion influences in 2022.
The album contains nine songs that were written by Korey McKelvy over a three-year period. Production involved multiple regional facilities, including mixing at StoneRidge Recording and mastering in Fayetteville.
The players
Korey McKelvy
He is a songwriter and performer who leads the band through the development of lyrical and melodic arrangements.
Tim Lauffer
He is a bassist who joined the group in 2022 and shifted the band toward funk and jazz fusion styles.
The details
Korey McKelvy works with bandmates Tim Lauffer, Justin Danner, Julius Kwanza, and Chase Edwards to arrange his written compositions. The recording process spanned various locations, including McKelvy's home and Fayetteville Public Television.
Timeline
2016: The song Life Is But A Melody was released.
2022: Tim Lauffer joined the band.
September 25, 2026: The debut album Loving You was released.
October 25, 2026: Korey McKelvy performs at Chelsea's in Eureka Springs.
November 6, 2026: The McKelvy-Lauffer Duo performs at the Moxy in Fayetteville.
Industry Dynamics
The band participates in a growing regional movement of independent artists blending jazz and R&B sensibilities. This project mirrors the local trend of utilizing dedicated regional studios like StoneRidge Recording to achieve professional-grade production outside of traditional labels.
Fans can hear the new material at upcoming performances scheduled in Eureka Springs and Fayetteville. Physical copies of the album will be available for purchase at these events in the near future.
The takeaway
The band successfully integrated jazz fusion elements into their debut to create a distinct nine-song project. Listeners can support the release by attending local tour dates in the coming months.
What happens next
The band plans to have CDs available for purchase at upcoming live shows.
Further reading
Discover more about the local sound in Fayetteville R&B.
More information
For more information, visit the Korey McKelvy Band official website.
Source note: This article includes information reported by ArkansasOnline.
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