When Casey and I started writing music again after (virtually) 10 years of not playing in the band we grew up in, it was weird.
Weird, but still pretty easy. The songs still came naturally, but there was a certain “restarting” period there - like breaking in a new pair of shoes. That’s kind of how I see our return/self-titled album. I’m so proud of those songs and they were really important, especially at the time. Being as I mixed and produced that record as well, when I listen back I can instantly hear all the things I would change. But that comes with anything art related - you always getter better, and always feel like you can top your previous efforts (hopefully!).
What I didn’t fully expect after writing that album, is that some floodgates would be opened. Now the songs come at me from every angle - I have hundreds of ideas scattered down in my phone and on paper, and dozens of songs “waiting” to be written.
I originally had a different plan for this next album, but it was at that moment that I started to write a few darker songs. Dark isn’t the right word. Real? Embarrassing? I love pop music and will always be infatuated with a killer hook, well written melody and well structured song. But there were some things buried that I still needed to expel.
The next album is a concept album - the first half leans towards my darker thoughts, thoughts that I may not have been proud of, past or present. Thoughts that I may have not wanted to admit to myself. The second half will come out towards the light. It just seemed to flow this way...
“The Fatigue” is the opening track to the new album (which we’re not going to reveal the title of til the end of the year). This song comes from the murky area which comes after heartbreak, but before completely giving up: “...but I’m way past broken hearted/...now I’m way past problem solving”. I never thought of releasing The Fatigue as a single. I have about 10-12 close friends/advisors whom I send demo tracks to, just to get opinions. Included in one batch were The Fatigue, Misfits, and the song that I THOUGHT was going to be the next single. But every single one of those people seemed to love The Fatigue...
I love this song as well - it’s very close to me, however, I didn’t think it was a single. And maybe it’s not. But it’s a great entryway into the new album to showcase where Casey and I are going musically and lyrically. So hopefully you’ll like it too.
Oh yeah - we still need a guitar player.
Spread the word.