‘New EP’ is where a band or artist answers some questions about their latest EP release. Up next is Neil MacLeod, who has just released his latest EP ‘Sonder’.

When/where was the new EP recorded?
The Ep was recorded this year. Though the songs themselves had been in the works for quite some time.

Who produced/engineered the EP? How did the tracks come together in the studio, or at home?
I produced and engineered the EP myself. Initially I had just made all the tracks at home, (this was in 2016). The project was initially about 10 tracks long, but after some guidance, I refined it down to 4. After that decision was made, I went home for a couple weeks and rerecorded everything from scratch in my old high school studio.

Did the shorter format of an EP give you the option to experiment in any way with your sound or with different forms of song-writing?
Mostly, the shorter format meant that I could deliver a much more digestible body of work. As far as song-writing was concerned, the shorter format meant I had to make really ‘tight’ songs. I am very interested in experimental/ electronic music, and I make a lot of it. However, it’s still early days and I have a long way to go still… so this EP offers a taste of both where I come from and where I’m headed.

Was there any specific gear you used to capture that?
For the most part, the EP was made in the computer. I would start with my instrumentals; laying down guitar parts and such, before moving into synth work and percussion. The studio I was in was full of great gear, so everything could be recorded at a good level of quality. After all those things were done, it was a matter of laying down vocals. Then I had a period of experimentation. I would re-arrange, mix, overdub until I could hardly stand it. After I felt the songs were ‘there’ I left the studio and mixed on my headphones and personal monitors for a few weeks, before sending the project off for mastering.

Is there a particular track or theme that the EP was formed around?
The EP’s theme is in it’s name, ‘Sonder’. This was a word I came across online. It’s definition is: ‘the realisation that each random passer-by is living a life as vivid and complex as your own’. This was something that I could relate to, and I was interested in the idea of installing this feeling within my listeners. So, with that in mind, I set about making a project that was highly personal. My hope, is that listeners will experience something similar to flicking though someone’s journal… except the journal is auditory and they have total permission to listen.

Where do you see the EPs place in growing an audience online? Do you see it as a progression towards an album or a separate entity?
It is definitely a progression. Although I’ve released a lot of music in the past, I see this EP as my first, ‘real project’. I want it to set a standard for myself and lay the foundation for my audience. I think this project will speak for itself, but it also plays a part in a longer scheme.

Which digital platforms is it available on?
It’s going to be on Apple Music, Spotify, Soundcloud and Bandcamp.

Are you doing any gigs or promotion for its release?
I recently played a gig at San Fran, which I hope got some people excited. There’s a few more gigs in the works too, but I can’t confirm any right now. I think for this EP, I’m just going to let people take it how they want.