Born in a Barn

Album #2 seems like it should be another 10 years away. I mean, that’s how long the first album, January Came Close, took. 10 years of writing, polishing, recycling and perfecting before being lovingly recorded and arranged into an album on a shoestring. There was no expectation or comparison, just songs that were loved and cherished being brought into the world.

After what feels like three weeks after the first album was released (almost a year, in fact), writing is starting to solidify on album #2. There are a few differences between now and the first album. Firstly, I’ve actually seen this album conceptualise from scratchy iPhone recording to slightly more polished iPhone demo. I adore the writing process and it’s even better to be involved with it. Secondly, we haven’t got 10 years worth of heartache and joy and tribulation to work from, though a lot can happen in a year.

We found that a residential stay is much more beneficial than a few hours a week in a practise room. We perfected January Came Close in a studio smack bang in middle of Wales, out in the sticks. Looking for a change of scenery this time round, we tried our luck renting a wedding venue that had just closed for the Autumn. It was perfect - a huge barn in the middle of nowhere, a 15th Century cottage to stay in and a pub a 5 minute walk away. As far as I was concerned, there were no downsides save perhaps for the complete lack of any signal or WiFi. But, you know, it keeps you humble, and my Angry Birds skills are now alarmingly sharp.

Two and a half days, 11 song ideas and some monumental hangovers later, we’re getting somewhere. Where, I don’t quite know, but somewhere. The test concludes that Album #2 has been conceived and we’re pretty sure we are the fathers. Let’s go!