When I started writing songs for what would become Mara Project, I never really had any intention of them being used, played, or becomming anything other than a bunch of songs for me to listen to myself.
Mara Project was the most organic songwriting experience I've ever had. All songs started off (usually when I happened to be sitting around bored, intoxicated or not really thinking about much) as innocent little riffs or vocal melodies that eventually evolved in to bigger bolder demos, and that's essentially what I wanted them to be.
No, not demos. I don't really like the word 'Demo', it feels kind of self-restricting and makes it sound like the product isn't as valuable somehow as it's not the final version. But in this case, these 'sketches' let's call them, became the final tracks - and that's exactly what songwriting is about for me.
Unlike with my other musical projects, these songs just happened with no logical process whatsoever. Most song writers have a 'way' or 'ways' of writing and creating songs, even I do, but these ones happened without any effort whatsoever.
I didn't ask them to, I didn't have to think about them for them to materialise - they just did.
But alas, as with all good things, it must come to an end and so that is why I've now made the decision to draw a premature line under the album, which cuts it short at 8 tracks plus 1 bonus remix, and leaves the songs in their current state in terms of vocal takes, and instrument mistakes, although all tracks have been mixed and mastered to a respectable standard of course - some tracks I even consider to be unfinished, but this is how they will remain, and in that respect kind of ties up nicely with the title of the album, there'll always be a long way to go.
The decision to finish the album so abruptly came after a long period (must be atleast 6-8 months) where I've been unable to write anything, and have lacked motivation, (and possibly inspiration) and so haven't wanted to work on the tracks, or work on new material. No matter how hard I tried to work on things, I just couldn't force it out.
Amongst a whole heap of other things, I was feeling a little bit of pressure from the record label that was intending to release the album, who understandibly wanted to keep checking how progress was going etc. as they were keen to release the album as soon as possible, and although I am greatful to the label for wanting to put out my music, I never really intended the album to be something I'd be working on for anyone other than myself, and so this started playing on my mind and created a bit of a weight on it, and so eventually everything snowballed and killed my desire to write.
Part of me is also saying that this chapter of my life is over and it's time to move on, and for once, I've been the one making that decision and acting on it, instead of it dieing the same way Out of Luck and Second Time Lucky did. It's actually kind of empowering.
I'm not sure at this stage whether I want to draw a line under the entire project or not, I think there's potential for a live Mara Project band, and I have more than enough material for a second album, and plenty of amazing musicians wanting to collaborate on tracks (which was another amazingly fulfilling aspect about this project, working with other writers)
We will have to see.
I think if I were to do Mara Project as live band at some point in the future, but it would have to involve the right musicians, and the right intent. I'd rather musicians I know wanted to be part of it, rather than me assembling a bunch of people together if that makes sense? I dunno. If there was enough call for it, I'd definitely think seriously about doing it live.
I'm also quite nervous about the reaction the album will get, I have absolutely no idea if people will like it or not, it's a strange feeling!
Listening back to the album after giving it a bit of a final 'master' the other night I was pleasantly surprised. There is so much in these songs (to me at least!) that makes me wonder where the hell it all came from from. Lyrically, I'm expressing political views, Buddhist sentiment and morals, giving a respectful nod to Rastafari culture, and many of my musical peers, whilst dressing it all up nicely in some kind of weird hybrid of Reggae, Hip-Hop and Pop. Naturally with that kind of rough around the edges, slightly raw vibe that I love, and certainly feel is definitely what D.I.Y recording projects have over commercial releases. It's all part of the truth, and sincerity of the songs.
Although I am somewhat regretful, no not regretful... I think sad is a better word - that I have come to the decision to finish the album this way (and this short) I am still immensely proud of what it is, and what I have gotten out of the whole experience, it's been unlike anything I've experienced in my 9-10 years as a musician, and I think it's because every track was either a result of blood, sweat or tears and although many people may not know what I'm talking about, many people may read in to the songs and interpret them in their own way (which is what I would hope to happen), but I know that each and every one of those songs - whether I intended them to or not, came from my heart.
I hope you enjoy the tracks for what they are, and even what they aren't.
You can get the album here for £1 (or more if you feel it's worth it!)
Mara Project - Long Way To Go - full album
I originally intended the proceeds from the album to be used as fundraising money so that I can go and build another house for charity, however all proceeds from the release of the album until the end of April 2011 will go to the Japanese Red Cross to help with aid for the victims of the Earthquake and Tsunami.
