Tuesday, March 04, 2008

Creating "Simplicity"

Speaking to a friend on the phone the other day, I mentioned my new CD, "Simplicity".

He said, "Let me guess...just you and your guitar, right?"

Hmm...so much for suspense and intrigue.

But he went on to say that he's looking forward to hearing this new collection. He didn't say, "Really? That's weird" or "Risky move on your part".

He said, "That's great".

Simple.

A few months ago, before I knew I was going to release this bunch of songs as a new record, I sent six of the songs to a friend/fan of mine in England. He wrote back:

"I love the collection, and just like Ron Sexsmith they sound so much more intimate with just you and an acoustic."

Thanks, Mark.

It means a lot, because "Simplicity" is difficult. It's hard to let go of the band, the bed tracks, the tweaks, the endless fixes. It takes practice to call it a record.

"Simplicity" is unfamiliar territory for me...and at times it feels a little scary.

It's more about subtracting than adding. What can I live without? What can I not afford?

(I can't afford those imaginary policemen for one thing...so out they go!)