matt pond PA

(Above is a picture at SXSW in March of 2010. And yes, I still chew on my picks while soundchecking.)

I’m at the kitchen table, making a simple lunch of fried eggs and greens, trying to get a handle on the songwriting spigot.

There is a level and intensity I need to reach. I see hints and glimmers on The Full Stop. But I can’t tell if they’re leading or misleading. Or is it just this season between seasons?

I was recently made aware of Julien Baker. Alongside some of my familiar favorites Land of Talk, Hop Along, Sibylle Baier. (Of course, I always try to mix it up with some Johnny Cash and Dylan.)

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There’s a vocal and lyrical truth they achieve that I’m not hitting.

I don’t want to focus too tightly on what isn’t happening. When I finish my food, I’m going to be wrestling words and chords again. This time, no mercy.

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Soon we’ll be posting my/our second, full-length album, Measure, for patrons. For anyone who’s interested, join us over at Patreon where I’ll write out all the angles. As always, I deeply question some of my previous musical decisions — while others still somehow make sense to me.

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I hope everyone is doing well out there. Yes! m.