15) Fear and trepidation
In some ways, this is the first Wolcensmen project that I have approached with trepidation and nervousness, and believe me that makes it significantly harder. Writing and recording a (good) album is a mammoth task. Some musicians make it look easy, and those tend to be the ones who approach it boldly, highly driven with confidence in their ability to not only write good lyrics and music, but also to perform and engineer the recording well. They also tend to have no expectations of the outcome. I've felt that before. Then there's the concurrent process of commissioning cover art, promo photos, a press campaign, and working closely with a record label.
The reason that I'm approaching this new album with some trepidation is for several reasons:
1) I never saw the point in making an album unless you believe it will be at least as good as the last one. So the bar has been set.
2) I believe that my current musical ideas and singing ability are the best they've ever been, so the execution needs to do them justice.
3) More than ever, I want the lyrics to represent my highest poetic potential. At times, I have agonised over getting them just right.
4) Unlike 'Fire in the White Stone' and 'Songs from the Mere', but like 'Songs from the Fyrgen' and the early recordings, I will be self-recording vocals, guitar and all instruments that I am capable of performing at my home studio. This is an added layer of pressure.
5) Eight years older than I was when I recorded 'Fire in the White Stone' (yes, it really has been that long), I have more fatherly duties than ever, and more distractions and demands on my time.
I know what you're thinking; 'Stop putting so much pressure on yourself.' And you may be right! But for some people — myself included — pressure is a vital motivator. Since Wolcensmen emerged publicly in 2013, I have pushed myself at every step to improve on what came before, and to never settle. Every composition and recording has been painstakingly crafted; not because of pressure put on me by others, but because of pressure I put on myself. Thanks to my father and grandfather, I have always lived by the mantra 'if something is worth doing, it's worth doing well.'
The songs are nearly demo'd. Final recording takes place in 2 weeks time, and I go to the studio to mix in October. Expect official label announcements towards the end of this year, and a Spring 2027 release. And I have plenty to announce in this journal between now and then.
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