It has been 16 years since I released my first album ORIGIN, when we were living in Lennox Head. Almost immediately after that, I accepted a new job opportunity in Canberra. I was back in the mainstream. I didn’t think much about songwriting after Lennox. I figured ORIGIN would be it for songwriting – a one album wonder, but at least I got it done. After a few years in Canberra I was offered a new opportunity in the resources industry which took us back home to Brisbane and put me on a new career path.
After almost ten years of corporate life, I resigned in 2018. That became a long break which morphed into retirement in 2021 – but still I had no ambition or thought of songwriting again. Not long after, I was diagnosed with brain cancer and life changed dramatically. After my first surgery in June 2021, the songs just started appearing. I had no choice in it, and it wasn’t a planned conscious effort. As it wasn’t the first time I had experienced this, I knew what to do – sleep with my guitar, keep a voice recorder handy, perfect the art of tuning into my dreams and receiving the songs. Within a few weeks, during July-August 2021, I had written a whole new album. I am probably more surprised than anyone about it. It’s still very hard to believe. But I’m incredibly grateful for the gift and for everyone who has ever believed in me.
The “A Team” – Nathan Kendall (middle) and Bodi Lowry (back), September 2021.
The new album – #ETERNITY was recorded at AIRLOCK STUDIOS in September-November 2021. AIRLOCK STUDIOS is owned and operated by multiple ARIA award winning guitarist and songwriter Ian Haug, who teamed me up with two brilliant young musicians – Nathan Kendall and Bodi Lowry. There isn’t much these two fellas can’t do – drums, piano, synth, guitars, bass, percussion, backing vocals, engineering, mixing, setting up the studio with mics and managing all the technical side. One quick run through each song on my acoustic, a brief chat about arrangement and melody, and that was enough. Layering came later. It was pure joy collaborating with these super talented fellas.
Recording took seven days in total across three sessions. During this time I had a second surgery, completed radiation and started chemo.
I’m hoping I’ll be well enough to tour northern NSW and SE Queensland in 2022. The plan would be to concentrate on community based gigs like surf clubs and community halls.
WHAT DOES SUCCESS LOOK LIKE?
Ten years and Gold Class Seats at the Brisbane 2032 Olympics.
The album is scheduled for release on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon and all digital music providers in mid-2022. SIGN UP at martybreen.com for announcements on album release and tour.