Yesterday was the official release of India Ramey’s new album ‘Villain Era’ on Copaco Records. It’s never lost on me, the trust an artist puts in a producer to help birth their art. India is a next level songwriter and her songs are her babies so I felt a huge responsibilty to come through for her. We had a clear direction for this record, I did a lot of homework to prepare and we had an incredible cast of musicians (see tags) who cared deeply about what we were doing and poured their hearts into this record. We worked for 8 or 9 straight days long exciting days. I was coming directly out of a very very heavy thing literally still going through it at the time so it was a very intense thing for me. I just have so much love for these musicians and my wider circle who I make records with. It’s getting harder to do it and get reasonable budgets and so the gratitude I feel is growing too. I couldn’t be more proud of this record. It’s traditional country but we really to explore different territory with different songs. There’s Honkytonk and spaghetti western, Ameripolitan and even a little rockabilly.
Great thanks also to the outstanding job of our team working behind the scenes.
Today is the anniversary of my 2nd solo album, ‘Happy Songs For The Apocalypse’. So many great friends on this. Super grateful to all. Streaming everywhere.
RIP James Gadson. I was lucky to meet and work with Mr. Gadson on a couple sessions at Mad Dog Studios. Pictured with another legendary kind hearted drummer, Mr. John Boudreaux. Last year we were supposed to work together with Sugaray Rayford on a Bill Withers tribute album. Sug and Mr. Gadson were close friends. It didn’t work out but I’ll never forget him and his influence on my work is immeasurable and endless.
Congratulations to my good friend @pijacobs - she is playing the historic venue @thehotelcafe tonight in #losangeles - @pettychavezmusic will open the show and then Pi will play - I’ll sit in and other extremely special guest like @ericcorne and @kel.pritchard will be joining in as well. Get ready for some great music tonight.
