Interview: Kelvin Wetherell New Album; Stereophile!

Interview with Kelvin Wetherell about his new album Stereophile.

What inspired the theme or concept behind this album?

Stereophile is about our connection. We need each other. It's about my own personal commitment to continue to cultivate relationships and be with one another in real time, in an age where we're becoming more isolated than ever.  

Were there any particular events or emotions that shaped the songwriting?

The emotions that inspired the name of the record are the same that shaped the songwriting. Our need for one another's touch and presence. Our struggle to stay connected in a landscape where digital life offers a false notion of connection. 

Were there any challenges you faced during the recording process?

Yes! I'm a committed single Dad with a part time day gig in design/build. These require my focus, love, and time. I also have a number of chronic pain issues that make most days difficult to navigate. The record and book took almost three years to complete. Breaks and shorter sessions were needed. Another challenge was creating the Stereophile book. I designed the layout using InDesign. I'd never used the software before. Wrapping my head around that process was a huge challenge.  

Which track was the most fun to create, and why?

“The Beautiful Season” was the most rewarding track to create. It's the closer in the live show setlist. Putting the arrangement together was great; the strings, the dynamics, the tribal drums. I love the way the track builds. The effect of the choral voices when the song builds near the end is a favourite bit. 

Did any collaborations influence the sound or direction of this project?

I mixed the record. It was my first go at mixing a full length. Howard Ayee, the chap who mastered Stereophileis an old mate. He was instrumental in sending me mix feedback and reminding me that I was evolving, on days when I felt like heaving the laptop through a window.  

Did you experiment with any new techniques, instruments, or styles on this record?

I implemented the liberal use of plugins, both effects and VST instruments, to the point where I had so many virtual instruments going that my laptop regularly crashed. It was my first time writing string arrangements, too, which was an awesome adventure. The mix of me performing parts on traditional instruments and virtual ones worked really well. 

How do you feel this album represents your evolution as a band?

Stereophile represents my evolution as a human, as well as an artist. Our songs are usually snapshots of our personal arc and the stuff we're going through.  

What do you hope your fans take away from this album?

I hope that fans of the music feel connected to it and that it lifts them in some way. I had a friend once say that my songs are mournful and hopeful. It's an apt description. I hope that listeners are able to paint their own pictures of what the songs mean to them. And that the book offers them a good read apart from the music.  

Have fans influenced the direction of your music or this album in any way?

No. I don't have many fans. Yet.  

What can fans expect from your upcoming tour or album release events?

The live show is currently just me and my geetar. The songs laid bare, allowing the storytelling to lead. I'm looking at bringing some other musicians on board. Cellos and drums. 

Do you have any music videos planned for the album? What can you share about them?

Yes. I'm planning to do simple live videos of the songs, recorded at home. I'm also planning a larger production video for “The Beautiful Season”, which probably won't shoot until the fall, if at all. Bringing the video to life is contingent on a budget that is currently non-existent. 

If you could describe this album in three words, what would they be?

Raw, soulful and beautiful. 

Is there a specific moment during the album’s creation that you’ll always remember?

I recorded five of the acoustic guitar parts at The Townhouse in Toronto. The studio is owned by my mate of mine. The sessions took place over a weekend. These were the foundations that became Stereophile. At the time, I had no idea what I was going to do with the songs. A full length record and book were nowhere on the radar. I remember these fondly, as intense as they were. 

Do you have a tour booked or is one being booked to promote the album?

I don't have a tour booked. It'd be nice, but I'd need to get paid. I follow a lot of more established musicians who book their own tours and come home thousands of bucks in debt. I have a responsibility to my daughter and myself to make sure that the operation is financially sustainable. Touring as an independent, self-booked act is not viable for me at the moment. That said, I'd love to tour. I did a recent gig and it checked all the boxes. Everyone in the room together, connected to the music. I'd love to tour. 

Anything Else That You'd Like the Fans to Know.

Yes. If you dig the record and book, please pick up a copy. It'd really help me make ends meets. I'd also feel grateful knowing that it connected with you in some way. 

Link Album or Other Media:

https://kelvinwetherell.com/stereophile/