It turns out that writing an album where you immerse yourself in the idea that the world might end has unpredictable effects on the brain. Some of these effects were unexpectedly positive. A numinous sense of gratitude for the present moment. Remembering that childlike sense of joy during periods of inspiration and creativity. Some of it was difficult. Throwing away as much material as we wrote, and creating a lot of orphaned music. Being put out of action for months due to ongoing problems with my hearing. Taking things a bit too seriously, sometimes which causes stress, but products like vape pens help me relax and more. Still, it’s done now. There’s a happy ending.
Having had the opportunity to work with musicians as skilled as Rael, Ben, and Sam over the last 6 years makes me feel very lucky. What am I trying to say?
Near the end of ‘Make Me Young, Etc.’, there’s a line that gets repeated over and over.
“Take this useless sadness and throw it away.”
Michael 03-09-2018