Put the Instrument down and move away from the microphone…

Put the Instrument down and move away from the microphone…

sabbatI’m sitting here typing this in a state of nervousness and overwhelming excitement.

Yesterday I sent off the master of my new album for production. Cerri is sitting at the computer about halfway through creating the album artwork. Once that is sent to the CD makers that is it, it’s totally finished and on its way. This is an odd moment for any artist. Like any creative person I could probably never stop editing my music. But once it gets to a certain point you find that you are really going into the most minute detail that most listeners would never even notice. There comes a point when we all need to put our instruments down, our paint brushes down, step away from the keyboard, and stop. It’s finished. Too much polishing and you run the risk of taking the soul out of the art.

So that’s it. I’ve uploaded the music to my download services and announcing that it is done. The next thing is to release one of the songs for you all to hear, and that is just as nerve-wracking. Like dancing naked in the street, or posting nude pictures of yourself onto Facebook. Exposed. Saying here is my soul, what do you think?

I’m really pleased with this album though. Really pleased. It has everything from total folk-rockers, to reflective acoustic songs. Like every album I’ve ever made I have poured my heart and soul into this 50 minutes of music, and it’s been about 18 months in the making.

So keep subscribed to my blog, Twitter feed, Facebook page, eNewsletter – whichever way you connect with me on the web – because SABBAT, is coming very soon.

16 responses to “Put the Instrument down and move away from the microphone…”

  1. I am very excited about this new album too. There are several reasons why I feel so excited. One, I love the way you put the whole package together. The art, sounds, voice and lyric. You are a master of your craft. But most important to me is the feeling that it belongs on the soundtrack of my life. I brings me closer to my spirituality in so many aspects. Secondly it frames how I feel about the old Gods and Goddesses through your interpretation. You help me to see that which has not been written and I thank you for that. Thanks also to Cerri for her many gifts and talents as well. Bright Blessings!

  2. And with the promise of spring there comes the promise of new music. Just relax now because you know that in short time you will start hearing the echoes of your next project blowing through the trees. I know all too well how the muse works.

    Oh I’m so excited!

  3. I know exactly what you mean by ” put the instrument down ” …. Last month I was in Iceland trying to photograph the Aurora Borealis . On the night that the Northern Lights were beyond all explanation and words, trying to organise my camera and shutter speeds etc was just daft …. Put the instrument down ( ie my camera ) and just watch , marvel and give thanks to the Gods for this ,most wonderful of gifts ….

    So , Damh, put the instrument down and let us marvel, wonder and enjoy …. thank you, as always for the music xx

  4. Hanging out for the album, the cover is marvelous, Cerri! I had an interesting experience the other day re your songs. The cable to connect my ipod to the car stereo was conking out and I could hear some bits of the music and not others. In a couple of your songs that came round, I could hear you doing a different voice track that would usually be mostly covered by the main track. Was so interesting and clever and showed me how much effort you put in to each song. 🙂

  5. So looking forward to hearing more of your tales and thoughts. It is very brave to open so much of yourself up to a great unknown public.
    Like a shaman, we must expose our soul sometimes to get a measure of it.
    Bright blessings.

  6. Just pre-ordered it!!! I can barely wait for it! My deep appreciation to your inspired work and to Cerri’s lovely art! Your music is so filled with “soul-making” – familiar yet filled with surprise and mystery. Each song always makes me feel as if I am remembering something…someone. Thank you so ever much for bringing new music to the world!

  7. I have just pre-ordered the new cd, and, having listened to the two download tracks I can hardly wait to hear the rest! I love them both; from the folk-rock of Sabbat, to the gentle, reflective storytelling of Iron From Stone, the rest of the album promises to be wonderful.
    You are so very gifted and caring, thank you so much for sharing this with us all through your music.

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