PGH is all about helping artists highlight their most recent projects, so let us all know what your latest project is – and tell us about how it came into the world. What has the initial feedback on it been like?
Brent Daniel (BD): My current project, tentatively titled “LP”, should complete by November or December 2015 for an early 2016 release. There will be ten new songs released initially on CD and digitally through CD Baby, Amazon, and iTunes.
The Recording Process: There are so many interesting ways that music projects come into the world these days compared with what artists had to struggle through years ago. Take us on the creative arc of how this project came into being and any wisdom that you learned along the way. Also, what were some of the obstacles or struggles that you encountered when you were working on the project?
BD: This collection of songs began life as acoustic numbers that were available for the last album “Art House Cinema” in 2010. Those songs found a home at that time while this group I continued to work up in various styles with different musicians in the intervening years.
In May of 2015 I began tracking drums for this project. I’d felt a strong desire to play electric guitar since the last album – where I only played acoustic guitar and bass. It feels as though I’m making a closed circle back to where I began as a lead guitarist – having a good time.
Are there any particular songs on this project that are special to you or communicate a message that you’d like to share here?
BD: Every song that I commit to recording is special in that I would take it as far as the studio, yes – all of the upcoming songs are important to me. As with “Art House Cinema” I continue my mantra and message of positive energy into the world – by any means – this method being music.
As we all know, the music industry has been devastated for many reasons over the past 10 years, what are your thoughts on these changes and are you finding some of the changes helpful to you with getting more people to hear your music?
BD: I think the devaluation of a copyright is a tragedy on many levels – for the owners, and for those who might have had a future stake. Luckily – the business of music does not concern me. I make music purely for pleasure and that’s a blessing.
Along the lines of this discussion, it would be really interesting to get your thoughts on what you think the future of ‘music enjoyment’ will look like in the coming years? How do you personally enjoy and ‘consume’ music? Any trends you’ve noticed with your own habits compared to, say, 10 years ago?
BD: Speculating, it looks as though sound quality could reduce to the smallest idea possible and music enjoyment could become a concept that a phone app will indicate if you’re having or not. That’s just me.
Personally – I download music from iTunes or Amazon and transfer either to an iPod or a CD depending on my listening venue. iPod for work, CD for driving.
We would love to hear what your plans on with your next project – Are you going to a full CD, an EP or just release songs as you finish them? Release them digital only or combine physical with the digital or what?
BD: I can’t wait to release “LP” or whatever we call it – so that I can find out what is around the corner. It is an exciting time to realize at my age (53) that I’ll never stop and I have no idea what’s next. Thrilling! I’ll probably try to mix my writing with styles I haven’t tried yet. I’m feeling a pull in the New Orleans, zydeco vein. Then possibly I’ll go back to vinyl only.
Advance apologies: the so-called ‘classic’ questions. What other artists and bands have influenced your music and any particular reason why?
BD: Presently: Michael Nesmith and Mark Knopfler – for smooth delivery and a light touch.
Objectively I think I’ve always written since the ‘80’s as if I was the “other guy” in Crowded House. I used them as a benchmark in many ways – could they, would they, should they play this one? I never got a call – but did move on.
We’re always trying to find new music discover here at PGH – what are some of your favorite music releases of the last few years?
BD: Neel Daniel – Gemini, New York Dolls – Dancing Backward in High Heels, The Mavericks – In Time, Lawrence Arabia – Chant Darling, Liam Finn – The Nihilist, Blur – The Magic Whip.
Yes, it would be great if most indie musicians could work on music full-time but the reality rarely the case for most of them. I am always asked by music fans, what are the careers or full-time jobs that the musicians of the music they are listening to do…so ‘what’s your main gig?!’
BD: I’m an analyst with an electronics manufacturing services-company providing top quality products to customers around the world.
Where can we hear more of your music and any other releases you have?
