Originally written on 06 June 2009 for member's of 'Delicacy' Darren's official fan club at www.darrenhayes.com

I’ve just realized that I’ve got some of it a bit wrong.
Well, something not quite right, yet.    The songs that Robert and I wrote when he was here are gorgeous and the ‘meat and potatoes’ in many ways of what I want to say emotionally.   But I was listening to them over and over the past few days and I think they need a jolt of reinvention.   Even though they’ve just been born, I think I’ve worked out something crucial that needs to happen to them before they’re in the right place.   Mostly it’s in the rhythm section.   ‘S’ is perfect in terms of the arrangement and tempo and song structure.   But it sounds too organic at the moment and I really want to weave in some more subversive elements in the rhythm section and take it from being a good song into a great record.

There’s a huge difference I think between a song and a record.
A record is unique, it’s a snapshot and a moment in time like fashion in some ways.  Underneath it is the core of the structure – the tailoring if you will.  But the surface is equally important and that’s the part that really needs finessing now. 

‘N’ is too slow I think.
I listen to it and want it to take off more, and as much of a drag as it will be (I’d have to record the vocals and do all of Steve’s guitars again) I think it’s a few bpm’s too slow.  So I’ll work on it.   It also needs ‘stuff’ in the verses.  More of a groove, less holes, less impressionism.   More of a solid base.

‘T’ is a beautiful song, but I think it also needs some sonic sprucing and possibly a few lyrical substitutions.   Not sure yet.   One rubs me in a way that I’m not sure is good or bad  but it’s a rub.   So I need to sit with it a bit.

The other thing I’ve been wrestling a bit with is expectation – and trying not to let that influence anything I’m doing.   For example I’ve been reading a lot of wonderful comments about older songs I’ve done and having a panic attack thinking ‘Oh maybe I should write a song like that again!’.  But then I stop that stuff in its tracks because I have to take the stance that there is no point in repeating myself.   I still maintain the goal for this record is to distill everything I’ve ever done and focus on being the best of what I am.   Taking all the things I’ve learned and putting it into one album that is literally me on speed lol.

It’s difficult to resist the temptation to please people.   Those who flatter you because they love what you have done in the past – you can worry about losing their support or their enthusiasm.  But I’m trying very hard not to let that seep in to the process.

The other thing that is difficult for me, is to allow things to marinade.  I tend to want to take a snapshot of a record when it comes into focus and say ‘it’s ready’.   But I’m trying to give things space (this blog is a perfect example) and make sure that what I’ve captured is exactly what the record should be.
So it might take a while.

Right – there you go – and thanks for listening.
It’s actually wonderful having your ears so early on in the process to be honest.
Not for feedback, but just as a kind shoulder to rest on and pour out my thoughts.  It helps!

xxD