For Bendigo-based troubadour Steve Lane, the making of his new album Revenge of The Lawn took a decidedly different route than originally planned. Exhaustion, and a general sense of misdirection forced the songwriter to take a step back and re-evaluate the process and the way the album was unfolding.
“I planned to have the album out and ready to go, but it seems the music, and life, had other ideas. It felt like the balance was all wrong and the fun had gone out of it. I set out with the goal of producing an album that was of international standard in terms of song writing and production.” Lane has noted. “I wanted to push myself, but I was exhausted. I was overthinking everything and not in a good space. I had to find the right space in my life to do justice to the songs and get the performances right. I definitely did not need a deadline. So I decided to take a different approach and put everything on hold.”
Stripping things back and bringing poet (and friend) John Holton into the process brought new life to the Revenge of the Lawn sessions and saw Lane lead with his heart over his head and really explore the influences that were ticking away inside.
“His words are phrased like songs and it doesn’t take much to manipulate them into the song.” Lane says of Holton’s influence. “In many cases, I then just write my emotional reaction to the words … it may be a slightly different viewpoint or a different way of seeing. There is an amazing level of trust between us. I’ll offer my edits and additions to him to reject or edit as he sees fit. Amazingly, he’s never done any of that. We see things so similarly and I don’t take that lightly at all.”
Now due out on July 7th, Revenge of the Lawn is a snapshot of a captivating songwriter and musician who is embracing this new chapter of his career and overall artistry. There’s a vulnerability and an intimacy heard on record that is undeniable, and acts as a warm invitation for fans and newcomers alike to learn some more or be introduced to Lane – a rejuvenated and optimistic artist with his sights firmly set on what is to come.
Take a look at this mini-documentary put together to stoke the fires of anticipation in the lead up to the release of Revenge of the Lawn and find out a bit more about how this one came together.
Stay tuned for more updates and tour announcements from Steve Lane soon! Follow him on Facebook here.
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