Music to Talk Over, Vol. 1 was conceived in the spirit of a Baroque dance suite, six pieces that differ in feel and tone but belong unmistakably together. These tracks could be movements in a program, or songs on a side of a record.
Primary songwriter Todd Kemp’s previous work (Carter Administration, Century Club, et al) was lyrically driven as a means of dealing with worldly anxiety, this record was carved out through different territory: music as refuge. Kemp’s recording process always began with the intention to provide a personal escape from the cacophony of modern life.
Together, these seventeen minutes are an exercise in contrast where no two songs share the same approach. “The mantra was ‘don’t do anything the same way twice,’’ Kemp reflects, “and it applied to every aspect of making the music: composition, arrangement, recording process, etc.” Jay Leo Phillips created a cohesive mix for the suite, Mike Shepherd created the artwork – an ode to the idea that the party is already happening, go ahead and join in.
The title isn’t meant as a snarky self-deprecating commentary but, rather, a note that these songs are companions to your life. Live it fully with the utmost enjoyment. The suite is designed to be pleasantly ignored at a party yet genuinely rewarding when heard alone. Put it on. Talk over it. Listen closer next time. It’ll hold up.
The EP is available everywhere today! Pick it up on Ampwall, Bandcamp or Mirlo or stream it on Apple Music, Spotify, YouTube Music or wherever you stream. There are no individual tracks to scrub or sample, just let yourself enjoy the full seventeen minutes.
Why all one track?
These songs really are meant to be enjoyed together. It’s a little atypical in this modern era of music distribution but give it a whirl and you’ll find it’s quite rewarding.
What’s the story with the artwork?
First and foremost, the photo exudes the energy that the album nods to – an escape from modern life. Music as refuge. A party that’s happening and it’s just up to you to join in.
Speaking with designer Mike Shepherd, he notes “here is a precedent for bands repurposing old album covers like The Residents and The Beatles, Pavement and Ambergris, or even Unwound and Tom Jones.”
Together, the energy of the photo and the fair use repurposing makes for quite a conversation piece. The perfect topic for your next party.