Analog Moon has begun mixing a new album which will be released in Summer 2010. I approached Asheville producer/engineer/drummer Jon Ashley in late 2008 to begin development of a batch of songs that I’d begun writing earlier that year. We spent the following year and a half recording those songs at Echo Mountain Recording along with some new pieces and some additions by Jon. After revamping and rewriting for weeks and months, we’ve narrowed the pool to a core ten songs which we believe most appropriately convey the ideas of the project.
The album will be called Ascent and The Secret There Below. I don’t want to reveal too much about the subject matter, as I believe these things are best left to interpretation by the listener. I will say that I think the album represents a new phase for Analog Moon, and while there are similarities to our old sound, it’s a bold departure from anything we’ve done before. Most of the instrumentation was performed by myself and Jon, but we did enjoy some collaboration from friends, old and new. Ryan Monroe, while in town working on another project, lent his hand for some piano and electric piano parts. Craig Larimer of Modo provided some electric piano as well. Rusty Ginn also returned to the fold to add some organ parts and will possibly be performing live with the band again soon. Asheville, NC via Columbia, SC musician Barrett Smith paid a visit and knocked out a spectacular upright bass part for a Jon Ashley composition. Tentatively, the tracklist is as follows:
1. True Secrets of the Wiser
2. Soda City
3. Six Ways to Sunny Days
4. The Hillside Cries for Carmen Frye
5. At Algeciras
6. Alley Alley Adam
7. The Peoples Church
8. Marked for Number Nine
9. Marked (I’m Slipping Away)
10. Esther, You Wouldn’t Believe
As of now, we’re planning to release the album on our label, Circuit Rider. We’re pushing very hard for a June release date, and will be celebrating the release here in Asheville and in our old home of Columbia. We’ll be adding additional performances as well, as we put the final touches on the live configuration and performance. We’ve worked very hard on this record, and needless to say, we’re very excited to get it out there and to see all of your faces again soon. The first single, Soda City, will be available for your listening pleasure sometime over the next couple of weeks, so keep your ears peeled. See you soon!