What was the biggest fun during the making of the last album?

 

Ken Sharp: Seeing my songs come alive in the studio form a germ of an idea to finished production is always exciting. Working in the studio with the insanely talented Fernando Perdomo was a real treat and blessing, his contributions were invaluable and I salute him as well as my other gifted musical contributors, Rob Bonfiglio and Ritchie Rubini. No matter how you have envisioned a song in your head, more often than not it turns out differently, and often it’s better than you can ever have imagined. I worked really hard on this record, went through a very difficult few years emotionally, dealing with a breakup, depression, financial hardships and all of that filtered into the creation of this record, which is a 14 song cycle navigating the beauty in darkness and regret. One of the highlights for me was working in the studio with Rick Springfield and Wally Stocker of The Babys who both lent their prodigious six-string talents to my record; Rick even sang background vocals on the song “Satellite,” A thrill of a lifetime!

 

 

You get all these great reviews, must be amazing? Where you aware something was happening during recording?

 

I’m really gratified that the reviews have been overwhelmingly positive. I felt this record was special as it was shaping up in the studio but never could have imagined it would have elicited such positive response. It’s a raw and honest record with and I left lots of musical blood on the tracks. I’m really happy that people are connecting with it.

 

Did you write a zillion songs and pick the best?

 

I didn’t write a ton of songs but certainly picked from a surplus of material and saw what would fit within the scope and theme of the record. The litmus test was it had to speak to me emotionally, it had to be authentic and real no matter how a dark the subject material.

 

If we want to know you, which song do we have to listen to? And why?

 

I’d say listen to all 14 songs on the record as they tell a story, a song cycle of who I am and what I’ve been through in the past few years. If I had to pick a favorite I’d choose the ballad, “Haunts Me,” I really love the lushness and beauty in the melodies and vocals. Rob Bonfiglio’s magnificent background vocals and Ritchie Rubini’s gorgeous piano playing slay me!

 

The music industry has changed a lot (or so they say). What did it bring you? And what not?  

 

For an indie musicians like myself, it’s a tricky business to be in given the changing paradigm in the industry. While power has reverted back to the artist, making a mark and getting people’s attention in today’s society remains a big challenge.

 

What a great album cover?! 

 

Thank you…Yes, I love the cover too. That image perfectly evokes the title of my album, “New Mourning,” the brooding, dark, contemplative nature of the music and lyrics. I think it’s really striking and I’ve received amazing feedback from others who love it as well.

 

She tells you she will decide on a 5-song-mix tape if there is going to be a second date. Which 5 would you put on?

 
This can change any day…here goes off the top of my head

 

 

“Creepin” by Stevie Wonder

“Be Nice To Me” by Todd Rundgren

“Tin Soldier” by The Small Faces

“Eight Days A Week” by The Beatles

“Lady-O” By The Turtles

 

What’s up for the next couple of months?

 

Writing songs and recording more new music, hopefully playing more shows, working on my series of Power Pop books, lots to do and so little time!
Buy on CD: 

http://ken-sharp.com/new-mourning/
Buy on iTunes (Digital): https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/new-mourning/id1123757286
Buy on Amazon (Digital): https://www.amazon.com/New-Mourning-Ken-Sharp/dp/B01H43UHDK/
Buy on Bandcamp (Digital): https://kensharp.bandcamp.com/album/new-mourning