This new concept album from Memphis based songwriter Minnesota Mike is a kind of musical journaling : a combination of guitar and piano songs written during a period of reflection, following a relationship breakdown with a romantic prospect.
In that sense the lyrics take on greater meaning, as the emotions are laid bare and sadness and hurt processed.
Blocks of verse underpin the dry delivery of the vocal.
The arrangements are simple and clear -and offer a vehicle to carry the lyrics.
For example in the track “Iowapolis” the parties are processing the break down in relations and as Mike states:
“I didn't want to be with someone who was acting like a version of myself I was trying to outrun”
Regarding the writing process Mike elaborates:
“This writing process was unlike any other I've ever used. Normally when I go through something I want to write about, I write about it right away. But here, I was writing about something else and keeping a Google Doc of how this person was making me feel. I saved that and used it to guide my writing.”
“As with any album I write, the lyrics always come first, but as I'm writing, I always hear what I call a "line of best fit" for my songs—an existing melody that shares the vibe of my song that I'll tweak later to make it my own.”
Inspiration -according to Mike- came from a wide range of songwriters including: David Gray, Green Day (and Bob Dylan who is a major influence.)
There is no doubt a definite 90’s /early 2000’s feel to the tracks - with a trace of Semisonic and Dan Wilson in there too.
Regarding the recording and production:
“I recorded the album at American Recording Studios,Memphis. Jason Gillespie produced it and played bass and lead guitar on it, as well as programming all the MIDI tracks (strings etc).
Justin "Blaq Knight" Walker played drums.
Both took this album to a whole new dimension”
Each new Minnesota Mike album documents life events and the aftermath.
Different studios, musicians and producers - also add a greater degree of refinement to the tunes from the original demos.
More info here:
https://www.youtube.com/@minnesotamike3339