The Magic of Album Release Shows

Yesterday, we had our very first rehearsal for my album release show, cramming into our basement eight of the eleven people who’ll form my band that night (February 29 at Meteor, if you’ve forgotten!). Kelly was in the work-out room and Ty in the laundry room, but with all the doors open, we were still together!

I’ve been thinking back on my past album release shows, and how they’ve always been a stretch for me, always playing with more people than usual, for one night only. I remember releasing Darling, Darling back in Halifax in 2010, and the rehearsals in the rented rooms of the Rock Garden, with the notice on the wall about the fine levied against anyone who dared play “Rockin’ In The Free World” (which, I guess, the employees had heard one too many times). That album release show was my first time ever playing with bass and drums, and besides that, I was joined by my string arranager Raphael Roter on accordion, the only time I’ve ever been accompanied by an accordion.

Darling, Darling album release show at the Company House in Halifax, NS, on August 14, 2010.

There’s a special magic in playing with voices you’ve never before. It takes you out of what you’re doing, makes it especially challenging to continue playing and singing, and not falling headlong into focus on all the lovely little parts coming to life around you. I felt that even yesterday, hearing all the vignettes of the album manifest.

I’ve heard that introverts have a hard time evaluating themselves in the moment. I think I can be a little bit extroverted if the situation calls for it, but I generally fall into the realm of introverts, and I have this handicap absolutely, of being unable to both perform and judge that performance all at once. I tend to hone in on all the tiny faults and hear those, magnified, as all creatives do this - that cliche, you’re your own worst critic. It makes rehearsal a little more challenging, because all of my processing power is used maintaining my own parts; I can’t really notice what any one else is doing. I just feel it - does it feel rushed, or slow? Does it feel ragged or smooth? Does it feel empty or overwhelming? And always aiming for that sweet middle point between extremes.

I celebrated my last album with two shows - one in Windsor, and one in Halifax. It was the first time I ever flew out for one date only, and I miraculously had my way paid by the show. I spent the flight preparing my banter between songs. I pasted thick false lashes onto my own set, and donned this glove-tight red dress, all made up like a Motown queen, and fronted the little band assembled and rehearsed for my arrival. It was a perfect homecoming, everything I wanted it to be; my old friends were there, the place was packed, there were ex lovers and acquaintances and so many benefactors that had helped me reach this place.

Little Sway release show at the Company House in Halifax, NS - February 7, 2014. Photo by Scott Neily.

The Windsor date at Phog followed, and was a much more casual affair, with no need for pre-scripted banter, and I relaxed a little too completely, revelling a little too much in how little pretense I needed, dropping my professionalism a little too far, dropping a very crass string of f-bombs that I still cringe to remember.

And I remember my very first release, of my self-made Bathroom EP, when I was seventeen years old. It was at the One World Cafe in Halifax. I drove up from the valley in a car full of friends, boisterously singing all the way, my friends braiding my hair. It was just me and my guitar, singing my little collection of songs that I’d recorded in the bathroom of my childhood home. I think that’s the version of me that I’d like to carry into this next album release. It took me so long to learn how to braid my own hair.

I was anxious leading up to the yesterday rehearsal, but as each person filed in, I was glad to receive every one of these wonderful friends. I think I’ve finally reached the point where I might even prefer to play with a band, rather than solo. I love these people, and love what they add. I used to feel like I was drowning in other voices - my acoustic guitar and little voice just didn’t cut, and I couldn’t keep to someone else’s tempo. But I’m older now. It finally doesn’t feel like such a struggle to hold my own in a group. I’m not sure what’s changed, but it’s a relief.

I have good hopes that this formation will get chances to play other stages beyond the release show - maybe some festival dates? - but, if history repeats itself, it may just be another in a line of album release shows that are greater than all the ordinary others. I only hope I can get some good photos or videos to prove it happened.

If you’re in the area, I hope you can join us! You can get your tickets here.