In less than 4 hours I’ll begin the long trip back to my home town of Union Missouri. The last time I spent more than 24 hours there was in 2017 and OH MY how so much has changed since then. I’ll be leaving the wonderful warmth of Aotearoa’s first days of summer and plunging into the magical wintery hills of Missouri. Between music and gardening the past month has been non-stop. Quite literally running from the garden to shower and pack for a rehearsal or soundcheck. I've been loving every rushed moment. In the garden I’ve planted rocket, broccoli, tomato, lettuce, pumpkin, jalapeño, carrot, red cabbage, chives, parsley, brown onion, peas, and kale. I wonder how they will grow while I’m away - anxious for my plant babies. Perhaps I’ll come back to a feast… or a pile of green waste.
As for music I’ve been playing shows with my new project Sig Wilder & Friends. Since our first show in late September things have been moving fast. Thanks to Maddy Taylor and Cae Heke we linked up with the incredibly talented Rachel Andie to play drums with us. She has been such a rock-star these last two shows! I’m very grateful to be playing alongside such lovely people and talented musicians. Also thanks to Maddy and Cae for giving me the soft push to finish the album. I’m glad to say that part 1 is currently getting it’s final mix. One step closer to being released!
It’s Bandcamp Friday this week. A great time to buy a few of your favorite albums and support the artists! Check out some recommendations below and leave some recommendations for me in the comments.
I just can’t get enough of this groove. The tone of those drums. Turn it up loud and put it on repeat. Sounds like Abe Rounds is playing in your living room.
Natural Brown Prom Queen by Sudan Archives
I can’t believe I’m only just hopping on the Sudan Archives bandwagon. So many great songs from Los Angeles' based violinist and vocalist. Listen to this album and then devour the back catalog.
Dragon New Warm Mountain I Believe In You by Big Thief
After listening to this album relentlessly since it’s release I’m still not tired of a single track. Big Thief don’t shy away from every musical idea in this 20 track masterpiece. Long live the indie band. I featured this album in my first newsletter and yes it’s worth featuring again.
The Confidence to Make Mistakes by Abe Rounds
This album came to me at a great time when I was “over-producing” and nit-picking every part of every song I’d written. Abe has given me the confidence to make mistakes. A breathtaking album.
Here is a little treat from Sig Wilder & Friends! This is likely to be our first single. The track is called Light Tower. It still needs to be mastered and get a few mixing touch ups but it’s not far to go. I love that the Substack audio player lets you speed up the audio - good fun. :)
Olympic Girls by Tiny Ruins
Two Saviors by Buck Meek
Until next time!
Sig