As I said in my previous post, the wheels are in motion. And stars are aligning. Indeed they are.
Translation work is keeping me insanely busy at the moment, but things are progressing with music-related projects. I have just listened to some updated mixes of the EchoTest album #5 and it’s done – as far as I’m concerned. Now on to mastering. I feel this material is pushing the envelope for the band. Once again, we’re taking the bass guitar to some unexpected places, and Alessandro’s drumming is designing forceful, highly-refined shapes. Aiming at a December release, but Julie’s Bandcamp subscribers and (obviously) Kickstarters will be receiving it first. Happy Thanksgiving/Christmas, I guess?
I expect 2023 to be quite busy with new albums, a new Listening Diary series, and I’m considering restarting my subscription option on Bandcamp (also looking into Patreon, alternatively. Any preference?). At this point, I plan to release my solo album in the spring. Maybe as early as March 2023, if that works. I will need some time to prepare for a bit of promotion and to get a physical limited edition ready (CDs – by the way, the artwork is looking incredible). I’m starting to think about live shows, too. Bringing “Small Music From Broken Windows” out on the road was so much fun. It was a very special ritual.
These days – when not translating video games – I’m finding joy in listening to music, especially rediscovering favourite records of mine. I have been listening to the very underrated “Astrounats & Heretics” by Thomas Dolby, and found out that I Live In A Suitcase truly resonates. I made a home here inside of me. Beautiful lyrics.
The image of the suitcase is very powerful, literally and figuratively speaking. A lot has changed in the last four years, and I have dragged some suitcases around for sure. Are there songs that truly represent you? Let me know in the comments, if you like.
Also, a shout-out to Steve Jansen and his album “Slope” (2007) – a work of genius. It’s going to be reissued soon I think. Check it out. It reminds me of a happy time when I was discovering a lot of new, interesting music. Just a few days ago, Tim Burgess devoted a Twitter listening party to “Slope”. You can replay it at this link. Steve shared lots of anecdotes and insights for each song on the record. Make sure to start the album in sync with the playback if you want to listen along with the tracks. It’s very cool. [Updated on 11/26] Coincidentally, Steve has just released a remix of his song Sleepyard, that I had produced back in 2016 (featuring Eugene and Susanna Buffa). It’s on Steve’s Bandcamp. This rework wasn’t released in any official capacity until now. Quite happy to have ‘made the cut’ 🙂
That’s all for now… speak soon.
Marco Machera 