My first two published albums have interesting stories behind them…
The first, Darlin' Stay, was recorded in 2015 at a home studio called the “Monkey Palace” in Jamaica Plain, MA. I had met some really amazing musicians and friends while living in JP, and decided to self-produce my first EP with them. It was such a fun, creative, and collaborative time… it was also when I first started dating Michael Doucet and he made cameo appearances on the tracks. He gave me permission to record one of his songs, “Dans Le Grand Brouillard” (In the great fog), and I remember us recording that live in the basement with a single light hanging from the ceiling and us freezing as it was winter. Still, the recording captures that magical moment in time.
My second, This Road We're On, was recorded in another home studio, but this time in Lafayette, Louisiana. It was 2018, and on the cusp of my separation and divorce from Michael. It was very emotional and came together quickly (I was writing the last song until midnight the night before our 2 day session). We tracked it live in different rooms in the house; me on guitar/vocals, Mitch Reed on Cello, and Danny Devillier on percussion. Jason Harrington mixed it and rounded out the tracks with his passionate harmonica. It perfectly captured the mood of the time, and was another magically collaborate experience.
My favorite part about this creative process of creating an album, is how it comes together with the right people, at the right time. The magic happens suddenly and you have to catch it because it can't be reproduced. Jason Isbell said something to this effect in an interview on Norah Jones' podcast, “Playing Along With…” about how he doesn't want the musicians to get too comfortable with his songs before recording, and usually they don't even hear the songs until the day of the session. It's this first pass, this first creation of the songs, that invites the magic and is usually produces the best takes.
I'm excited to share that I've signed with Plaid Dog to record my 3rd EP in 2026! It's a studio that provides support for crowd-funding and allows the artist to maintain 100% of the rights and record based on how much support they receive. It's my first time having this kind of support, and I'm really excited about working with them to record my single and launch my campaign early next year. And, I'll be headed back to Boston! Which is sort of a full-circle moment for me, and I'm excited about what kind of magic that drums up as well.
Having support is powerful, and something I'm leaning into this season- not going it alone, but feeling that I am part of a community and giving as much as I'm receiving.
If you'd like to know more about my upcoming project as it develops, please sign up to my email newsletter. In addition, if you'd like to be an early supporter before the campaign fully launches, you can also visit here to add your pledge.
I can't wait to share my new songs with you, and I appreciate all of your support!
xo
Heather