Illinois Entertainer July 2018 | Page 24

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it ’ s all part of the narrative , where I started out as just a guitarist , but I ’ ve made the migration from the typical left to the more difficult center stage . But I was happy with the way the last two records were . But on this one , the music is more emotional , and it ’ s more dramatic . So I didn ’ t think quiet vocals would have worked . But there ’ s a song on the record called “ My Eternal ,” which started off with just a trumpet and a synthesizer , and I built a song on top of it based on a dream I ' ve had where I ’ m being chased . But it was good to listen to what was coming out of the speakers and determine the fate of the material accordingly . I think I ’ m on the right track with all of defines me , and that the era of the protest singer was back again . Especially after hearing the older generation talk about Brexit . I had to get involved and clarify what it was I stood for . Like everybody else , I feel like things are very , very bad today . But the heartbreak comes from that so many people voted against their own self-interests for this kind of horrific change . So there ’ s the corruption of democracy and an all-out attack on the media – which seems to be the only branch holding anybody accountable these days – and I realized that , no matter what , they can never take my mind or take my music . So I saw how fortunate I am to have a voice
24 illinoisentertainer . com july 2018 these songs , and I wanted people to hear them for what they were and not make a big deal about the lone guitar hero 30 years on . That ’ s just a bit of a narrative that goes hand in hand alongside all of this . In hindsight , I think I did improve my technique and was finally able to expand on it . But now I like the way my voice sounds as much as my band , so I do feel like I found myself on this one . But it was a situation that was called for by the songs , really , some of which address the current political climate while others discuss climate change .
IE : You said there was a conversation you had with your wife that spurred you to outdo yourself . JM : My wife and her friends were discussing Brexit , and I just recognized something in her attitude , something I hadn ’ t noticed before – a longing for some kind of positive , creative process , not just from me , but in general . So I just got to a point in my life where I realized the philosophy that in such a difficult time . Which doesn ’ t mean that all my songs are expositions or answers ? But I have a lot to say if people want to hear it . And I really think that people are desperately looking for answers right now . I just hope I can offer a few suggestions .
IE : How is your new home base , a studio that ’ s the entire top floor of an old warehouse ? JM : It ’ s great . It ’ s slightly out of town , and it ’ s got a ‘ 60s / Rauschenberg vibe that really adds to its appeal . I really needed a new place to make music , and this was it .
IE : What have you learned about yourself through this whole process ? JM : That ’ s a good question . I feel somewhat unchanged , but decidedly a little different , too . But I think that records made in the aftermath of an autobiography like mine was will always take on a life of their own . And my book did pretty well in the
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