So, yeah, we haven’t done much in the way of updates around here lately. But stuff has definitely been happening.
Actually, 2011 has so far proven to be an extremely productive, even prolific, time for us. We’ve been collaborating with a bunch of new folks — drummers, guitarists, multi-instrumentalists — but also trying to improve our level of self-sufficiency. The two songs we’ve released so far this year — one a demo called “The Space,” the other a single called “Wish I Knew” — go a long way toward demonstrating this latter endeavor. Both tracks feature only one of us, doing everything: drums, keyboard, guitar, programming, recording, mixing.
Being that we’d never seriously attempted playing the drums prior to January, and had previously done only the most crude home recording, achieving these things felt like a big deal.
We’ve said all along that Magnetic Island was created out of a desire to keep pushing ourselves. We know a lot of people will write that sentiment off as any number of things: corny, a cop-out, pretentious, etc. We don’t say it for any other reason than to tell you what keeps us going. The outcomes are unpredictable, and may not always be what you — or even we — would expect. But we’re not in this for any other reason than to express where we are at the moment the song is written, and to explore the boundaries of what’s possible working in a bedroom with a laptop, or in a cramped rehearsal space with a friend, or at a college campus pub without a setlist or a script.
So, we’ll continue doing it. We love that so many of you have been willing to come along for the ride, and we hope you’ll stick with us. We may not always remember to write, but we’re working our asses off, we promise. Here’s what you can expect from us in the next few months:
- New EP at the end of June, to be called “The Keyboard EP” after the fact that keyboard will be featured as the lead instrument, a change from what we’ve generally done in the past. “Wish I Knew” comes from this.
- Our debut full-length in the Fall. Will likely be self-titled. “The Space” comes from this.
- More singles/demos/live recordings, as often as possible. We remain dedicated to getting songs out as soon as we can and keeping you guys in the loop as to what the hell we’re up to musically.
- A remix contest. Details soon.
So, there you go. That’s what 2011 has been, and will be, for MI. If you want to hear from us more often, you can follow us on Twitter or like us on Facebook, or you can join our email list by sending us a note at magisland@gmail.com
As ever, we thank you for your support.
xo
Magnetic Island