I've been inspired by many things and many people while writing and producing this beast. Two of the big influences are The Trees.
One tree stands elegant and rich in the backyard. A few years ago some landscape bastards came and trimmed the foliage down to an undignified, skimpy canopy. I mourned her nakedness for about a year, until it grew back. But this is the tree that grows outside my bedroom window. When I can't sleep at night (which is every night) I look up into the sky, which is filtered through the bushy and draping branches of her lovliness. She inspired the song "When it's Dark", which you'll hear whenever the album is released.
On the other side of the house, across the street, there stands the saddest tree you've ever seen. (It's actually two small trees, but since they're clinging to each other as they are, to me, he's one, grasping tree.) It's perched on top of the hill behind my neighbor's house. Year round, it stands like a Tim Burton cartoon - spindly and uncomfortable. A grown up version of Charlie Brown's Christmas tree, pretty much. But this tree is situated opposite the window I overlook while I write at the keyboard during the day. (For a picture of this view, visit the January 5, 2004 entry.) I love this tree because it is so sad. It just sits there, with its elbows and kneecaps poking akwardly into the scenery, apologizing for it's gangly stardom. He inspired the song, "Back to the Start" which you'll also hear when I release the album.
Yesterday. Morning. Buzzsaw. And about half an hour later, I was gasping at the empty space on the hill where the crooked gentlemen used to stand.
xo
T
np: Idaho_Levitate_
