in transit

I have noticed how easy it is to become a human disclaimer for something that is in progress. ‘it’s getting there’, ‘slowly but surely’, ‘it’s not finished’, ‘I promise it’s happening, sorry it isn’t faster’. I love the destination, and the transit is embarrassing.

But I may have a lot left to learn, because what if all we have is transit?

This blog is obviously covering my first EP in detail, because of the unknown – will I actually get there? Is it possible for me to release something? We just don’t know yet.

But as of this week I have started the 7th and final song, and it looks like it may just even happen. I face the destination. And here is the oddity, because from this vantage point the destination is not home. Not yet. I don’t want to stop, I want the end to be the beginning of the larger.

I have a glimmer of what this may mean – that all of this is transit, and all the beauty we have for now is in movement. This battle for art is still a tough one, and I am not really winning it. Work is always increasing, my body misses it’s sleep, commitments and needs press harder. But while the battle is uncomfortable, for now it is home. A frustrating, unglamorous and yet wonderfully movement-filled home. This is what I wonder about.

Now from vague philosophy to direct announcement (or ‘helicopter montage to kitchen scene’ if you prefer metaphor), happenings abound.

As I mentioned, I’m working on the last song. Ie, 6 songs pretty much done. Incredible, it feels like it just crept up and suddenly was the case.
Now I say pretty much done, because they are creatively there, but as yet sounding a little less than vivid. As a mix engineer, I currently make a great…… croquet player. And I have played 2 games of croquet ever, and lost both to beginners. I know I play with needless riddles sometimes (short attention span perhaps), so to translate I’m saying I’m bad at mixing. I like it, and will continue to learn, but I am bad.

So I have been wrestling with whether for this EP I might just employ some fresh, experienced ears to set the levels and help me make something that even I can listen to without cringing or regretting the kick drum. This is a large step, because the cost economically will go up infinitely from zero, and that changes things. But I think I might try. More to post when and if this comes off, but signs so far are good, if a little financially intimidating.

As for other clues, I am willing to admit that ideas have germinated for things such as making-of video snapshots, EP launches, and even live shows – but all in good time. Easy. Slow down. Deep breath. 7th song first, that is all for now.

As for the photo, I felt it was fitting – I took it on a work trip away in a strange little town of transit. It is the sort of place you are in because you are passing through – and nearly no other reason. But that night it was a beautiful place to be. It was a beautiful place of transit.