2024 was one of the most challenging years for me physically, geographically, and creatively. Moving to the other side of the planet is, in so many words, NOT something I want to do again soon. It takes a tremendous amount of emotional energy to completely upend every aspect of your life and move so very far away.

I finally got settled here in April of 2024. Despite having worked on the new album for a year and a half at that point, I didn’t realize just how much MORE work it was going to take to finish. As it stands here in March of 2025, I officially only have bass guitar to add to the album and then I get to begin the arduous process of mixing and mastering the album. Obviously, since I am doing those two things myself this time, the finished product might not be exactly where I want it to be when I finish it, but let’s be real, is Art ever truly finished?

I can without a doubt say that it is going to be a good album. I enjoy listening to it! It stands somewhere in the same neighborhood as the Self-Titled album from 2022, but it is also a departure from that vibe as well. The new stuff is MUCH more energetic. The lyrics are extremely focused. I absolutely push the limits of vocals while staying familiar enough to reinforce my signature style. The guitars are definitely a step up in both vibe and performance. I should mention that there aren’t as many guitar solos, but when they’re there they absolutely fucking rock.

I heard you wanted to know if there’s pipe organs on this album? Oh fuck yes there are.

I spent much more time workshopping than I have on previous albums. The songwriting is more concise, and breaks away from some habitual conventions I have adopted over the years. And whereas I recorded everything on previous albums in one fell swoop, I recorded this album in stages. Doing this gave both my ears a break, and also time to meditate on what I did without absolutely killing myself.

In some ways, this has been the most relaxed album I have ever worked on. In others, it’s the most difficult. I am very proud of the work I have done here.

Look forward to its release in early May, but if for some reason that doesn’t work out, it should be out by Summer.