‘New Album’ is where a band or artist answers some questions about their latest release. Up next is Matt Hay, who released his 3rd full-length album Dog & Pony Show earlier this month.

When/where was the new album recorded?
The album was recorded over an 18 month or so period at producer Darren Watson‘s Lamington Recording (essentially his lounge).

Who produced/engineered the album? How did the tracks come together in the studio, or at home?
My good friend Darren Watson produced and engineered the album. The tracks were all demoed and rehearsed before we started recording. Darren did a great job of tightening up the arrangements, and he had a very clear vision for the overall sound of the album and how all the tracks were going to work together.

How did the songwriting happen? Are there any overall themes within the songs/album?
The songwriting was done over a number of years. I’m not a particularly disciplined songwriter and tend to write as and when I’m in the mood to do so – it happens fairly sporadically for me. The album doesn’t really have a theme as such, but there is certainly an element of disillusionment in a number of the songs, which I think is just a reflection of the turbulent times we have been living in of late.

Were you going for a different sound/approach on this album?
I largely gave Darren full control over the sound/approach with the album, as I was wanting something different from what I had done before. In terms of approach, Darren was keen to capture a live vibe, so all of the tunes were recorded live. Darren added additional instruments, and vocals etc, and we re-recorded some bits but the live vibe is still there, I think. The other key difference is in the instrumentation; all acoustic instruments, and some different instrumentation from what I have had on my recordings before – lots of dobro, accordion, as well as some strings and horns.

Is there a particular single/track that you feel captures the essence of the album?
Probably the lead single, ‘Promised Land’. It has a great live feel and features some lovely dobro and accordion playing from Darren and Craig Denham respectively.

Is there a physical copy available? If not which digital platforms is it available on?
I’m just releasing this one digitally via the usual digital platforms: Bandcamp, Apple Music, Spotify etc.

Are you working on a video/videos for any of the songs? Are you doing any gigs or promotion for its release?
I released a lyric video for ‘Promised Land’, and another video. ‘Holy Smoke’, when the album comes out on April 5th. Plans are afoot (and at hand!) for a new music video from ‘Dog and Pony Show’ to be made this month. On the gig front, I am hoping to do some gigs a bit later in the year.