These Boys - Making the album. Preface.
8th Feb 2016
Anja wrote a letter to me last year, saying that perhaps after all these years playing together that we might not get to record on a big project. It made me feel as if it was all about to slip away before our best work was realised. We had arranged over thirty songs, assembled six and seven piece bands, played festivals and won competitions but sadly never been to the studio to commit anything to tape.
Between Christmas and New Year’s Eve 2014, when Dublin city empties itself of tourists and commuters; and when people from elsewhere return home to be with their families, I sat in Metro Cafe on South William St. with my little black notebook and wrote down songs I wanted to record. A stern determination came over me as I photographed my list and sent it to close friends, family members and other would-be witnesses. This was to be my new year’s resolution. Now they had all seen the list and anything less than accomplishing the goal would mean going back on my own word. 2015 was to be the year we recorded in a studio, with a producer, with professional musicians altogether in one place, all at the same time; with no click tracks and no auto tune; the way I always wanted it to be; each song capturing a moment in time.
My friends received the photo and wondered why I sent them a list of songs they’d seen me gigging over the past few years. Sinead Madden has played fiddle and been singing with me and simply replied “Count me in”.
“Can you think of anyone who could do electric and double bass, pushed beats and funny timing.. with the right personality?”, I asked.
“Dave Mooney” she replied without any hesitation.
Beginning next week the first of three songs from the album will be available to listen to free on soundcloud and will be accompanied by a three part blog chronicling the making of the album here on medium.com.
I’m excited to finally start sharing “These Boys” with you.
Pre-order your copy of “These Boys” on the Itunes Store today (IPhone users: don’t use the Apple Store, it’s the ITunes Store that works.) The official release will be 03/03/2016.
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