The mixing and mastering of Bits and Bobs – my ‘discarded ideas’ album – was completed yesterday and so I was all set to spend some of today preparing it for release as soon as possible. I had finalised the track names and order, and the artwork (above) was ready to go.
However, this morning I decided on a change of plan. Bits and Bobs sounds so fresh and feels more connected to my next album, not Something For Everyone. As the ideas on Bits and Bobs are not completed, the arrangements are generally sparse – something I’m looking to be a feature of my next album. So it feels as if Bits and Bobs should precede my next ‘proper’ album and I should bring forward other music releases.
There is also something about the planned timing of the release of Bits and Bobs – which I’d pencilled-in for April – not feeling right in terms of where people will be, psychologically. In particular, there is one track about Covid-19 that I don’t think people will want to hear until we’re back to normal i.e. not restricted by Covid-19. So, I’m now thinking of a September release for Bits and Bobs, or even later.
In the meantime, I am bringing forward plans to release three singles during spring and summer. These are tracks I wrote and recorded between 2013 and 2015 which I feel have stood the test of time. I’ve had them remixed and mastered by Chris Pedenc so they sound sparkly new.
The first of these singles will be Song to Self. I’m just sourcing some artwork and hope to release to in three to four weeks’ time. More information about this track to come.
Whilst I’m writing … the writing and recording of my next album is going really well. I’m flying through the process, partly because it’s something to do under lockdown, but also due to having learned to use more of Logic properly. Basic things, like the ability to easily punch in and punch out, are transforming the speed of capturing audio. But I’ve also learned how to use some of the virtual instruments and effects with more competency, and also how to edit much better. All this means that, at the current rate, the album could be completed by the summer. But I don’t think that will happen due to all things I will do with my time as we come out of lockdown. But I wouldn’t be surprised if, what I’m provisionally calling ‘Pure Joy’, is released by the end of this year (hence the timing of Bits and Bobs).