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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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