A Way Through Time - A New Album
Album Release/Berlin/Texas/Toronto
‘A Way Through Time’
Available March 15, 2024
There is a picture in my mind, it’s of my father, he’s just a kid sitting on the couch in front of some speakers listening to music with his guitar in hand.
It’s so clear I can almost feel it, and when I zoom in with just enough imagination, I can see the cover of the album he’s listening to.
So sometimes I put that record on and picture myself sitting right next to him, strumming along.
Music is the best form of time travel there is…so far.
I’m so excited to tell The Record Club first that the full album will be available for you to listen to on March 15th.
A Way Through Time was written throughout these past few years, in and around my house here in Calgary. These were the songs and melodies I would hold tightly to, something inside screaming that they mattered and constantly drew me in further every time I’d sing them. When I’d pick up my guitar, or play the piano these were the songs that would come out first.
As a thread began to weave itself through each song, it became clearer and clearer that each song had purpose, a story to tell and something to work towards.
It is the recognition that life barrels on, lap after lap and as we learn to ride the wave we begin to take advantage of the very moment, allowing us to give it away and love recklessly.
Armed with the songs, I went to Fort Records in Fort Langley BC with Jay Stewart at the helm. His positive mental attitude, attention to detail and willingness so dive deep into the songs was so crucial to making this album.
Together, with close friend Jeremy Friesen we set out to capture the truth of each song by connecting the lyrics and melody to the rhythm and emotion. Which is the goal for me with every song I write - put it all together, with intention.
It was extremely important that these songs be recorded with Jeremy as he was in a battle with stage 4 cancer that took him this past summer. With each session I could see him fading away and we knew to make the most of each moment. The very last session we did on this record, finishing vocals for You and I Will Never End, was the last time I saw him. I’ll cherish those moments for the rest of my days revisiting them each time I play these songs.
Music is time travel.
‘A Way Through Time’
BERLIN/TEXAS/TORONTO
In other news, I’ll be headed to Berlin to play C2C Music Festival at the beginning of March. Never been before so do ya have any tips? Does anyone know how to speak German? I only know Beck’s song ‘Loser’… Sprechen sie deutsch, baby?
After I’ll be headed to SXSW in Austin, Texas. I’ll have the trio with me and I’m so excited to turn it up extra loud and then sing sad songs for all the cool kids.
Then a trip to Toronto to celebrate the album and a little bit of press.
There’s just so much happening right now.
Please presave/add the album now and then keep your eyes out next week for some special stuff just for The Record Club.
Thanks for following along and supporting me on this journey everyone.
-jj
JJ continues to bring depth and emotion to his music. Songs of journeys through life, searching and navigating one's own path through some dark truths about life, some come face to face with.
The memory you have of your Dad, is very similar to mine. My Dad passed when I was 8 and I Iearned later in life that when he was younger, he'd pickup the guitar and start playing. Now, I often wonder and imagine about the songs they'd sing and the music he would try and sing.
Thank you for your beautiful contribution to the music industry.
Ps- I'm of german heritage, and found Duo Lingo to be great. Guten Tag, wie geht es dir?