Out today – The Outsider.
While it is only a single, this is something that has been in the works for a long time.
The concept was simple; Free-form mood music. The process was simple; Plug in, alter mind, throw out the rules. Oh, and don’t drag it out. That was a big one. In other words, let’s see what I can do like the old days when hours in the studio were expensive. You bought a block of time and that’s all the time you had to get it done. For me, I set that block of time at 48 hours. So, this past January, I locked myself up for two days and did as much as I could get done in that time period.
The original intention was to create an entire album. But, as it turns out, I was a little rusty on the free-form stuff and had to get used to some new gear, etc. So, it took a little longer than I had planned. Regardless, I’m happy with the outcome and will continue the project indefinitely. And, hey, no one buys full albums anymore, anyway, right? lol
A little about the music.
The idea behind the song, The Outsider, was to try capturing what I often feel around other people and translating that into a soundscape. I’ve always been called an outsider. Honestly, I don’t mind being around people, I don’t hate them or anything. But I just don’t feel like I’ve ever fit in with any particular group. When you listen to this, close your eyes and try to imagine walking through a crowd… I’ll leave it at that.
Waldeinsamkeit
If your German is a bit dusty, Waldeinsamkeit is a German word that refers to the feeling one has while being alone in the woods, usually a sublime or spiritual feeling. I’m very happy with how this one turned out and hope you like it, too. Once again, best listened to with your eyes closed 🙂
Interesting tidbit: in my 40+ years of releasing music, this is the first thing I’ve ever released as “Jeff Elder.” A million other bands, a million other names, even a couple where I used my real name as a player, but this is the first official Jeff Elder release. Will there be more? Yes. I thoroughly enjoyed this process and plan to do it again later in the year and beyond.
The Outsider is now available on all major streaming platforms, including:
I know this release won’t be for everyone. But I hope you explore the tracks with an open mind and enjoy them as much as I do.
Until next time…
Jeff
