Back in February I posted about my intention to make a stripped back solo album this year. As always it took me a while to get started and then there’s no rushing the writing process - it’s a bit like how you need to allow dough time to rest. After eight or so months of rising I’m happy to report that I recently started laying some songs down to tape with Jamie Trevaskis at his beautiful studio Tapeland in Mount Nebo.

I’ve wanted to do something with Jamie for years and similarly I’ve been carrying some of these songs around, waiting for the right opportunity to bring them to the surface. This project is the confluence of many things. Jamie’s partner Mia captured some photos of these first sessions and I think they really convey what you might expect to hear better than I can describe.

The house which now holds Tapeland has a long musical history which is very tangibly present. It is a pervading gentleness, something I really wanted (and needed) for these songs. After so much time in preparation it was intensely gratifying for this first session to come together in a way that exceeded all my hopes. To begin to realise something new right now feels like shedding some of the weight of the last couple of years.

There’s more to be done but I am excited about what we’ve captured and really proud of the songs. I look forward to sharing them with you live at upcoming gigs and eventually these very special recordings.