The sophomore record is notoriously one of the toughest hurdles a young musician has to clear - you've got to strike the perfect balance between where you want to take your music and the identity you've established for your audience. Singer/songwriter Ian Walsh has pulled off the juggling act with flying colors in the form of Seeing Stars, released on September 25.
It's been just over a year since the New Englander's moving, critically acclaimed debut, Please Remember. In the interim, Walsh has been touring relentlessly, forging an enduring connection with fans across the country. His commitment has brought change in bulk - relocating to Boston, taking a leave of absence from Berklee College of Music to focus solely on his career, and finding an incredible cast of bandmates. New recruits Wiley Esten (guitar), Jamie Orlando (keyboards) and Jesse Devine (bass) are the perfect complements to multi-instrumentalist Walsh.
As for Seeing Stars - recorded at Hammerhead Studios with producer Ritchie Rubini and Grammy-winning engineer Nick DiDia - it replicates Please Remember's organic sensibility, but with a welcome infusion of energy. Walsh's confessional narratives shine throughout, particularly on the yearning "Melissa" and "Casting Shadows."
"Melissa" was just a little love song never meant to make it on any record," Walsh reveals. "It was more of a plea for a loved one to notice what was going on. The song has a sad yet happy, angry yet forgiving tone. A lot of people seem to identify with the feelings I’m trying to express in the lyrics. I guess we've all been in this situation before."
As for "Casting Shadows," "[it] was really just a song that I sat down at the piano and starting vibing over the main piano riff," he continues. "The lyrics reflect on many past experiences. The 'you' and the 'she' in the song are many different people.
Expect Walsh to take those earnest anthems to the road yet again this fall. The raw emotion and beauty of his new collection is impressive, but it's hard to imagine anything less, even a mere two albums into what is shaping up to be a stellar career.
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Kristina.
said:
i like you 5 days ago
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lamya [ Dяσρ Dєαd ] ^_^
said:
you're too awesome =]! love your music!! 1 week ago
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BriannaBatmonster
said:
January 8 i will be seeing you. considering its 2 blocks away from my padres home. :) 2 weeks ago
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kate:)
said:
same here i was wit k-sen and u wer ahmazing (: nicely done my frend :D Dec 04
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K-sen
said:
i saw you guys at The Space today, good job Dec 04
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((Shorty))
said:
absolutely amazing. Dec 04
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Cristina
said:
you signed my phone! i love you! Nov 10
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CHECK OUT MY MUSIC: www.purevolume.com/heyapril
said:
I'm April. I like bands like Paramore, Fall Out Boy, The Cab and more. I've recently started writing music on guitar. You can check it out at www.purevolume.com/heyapril (FREE DOWNLOADS!) Oct 29
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Annie Anderson
said:
Your music is so chill. I like it. Oct 10
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Musikatherine
said:
nice one!1 Oct 07
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lemures
said:
hey!so wonderful! Oct 06
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paint.it.over.twice
said:
love! : 0) Oct 06
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Gianni Massaro
said:
Hello! We're an indie/dance rock band from Virginia, and we really dig your tunes! ROCK ON!!! Much love, http://www.purevolume.com/thesaltineproject Oct 04
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abby
said:
everyone needs to go to myspace.com/ianwalshst and add me as their friend. also, don't forget to sign up for email updates at www.ianwalsh.fanbridge.com thanks! Oct 04
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ellie mae
said:
love it all. :) Oct 03
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