Innocence | Experience by Allan Douglas

When I first read William Blake's “Songs of Innocence and Songs of Experience" poems as a college freshman, it struck me that their timeless subject matter, diverse perspectives, and uncommon pairings/juxtapositions could inspire an intriguing album of those same poems set within modern music.

Now (nevermind) years later, I’ve finally made that album, marrying about a dozen Blake poems with new melodies and arrangements (including 3 instrumental tracks driven by the mood and textures of the poems); even as I’ve seen many times over since college that rather than being opposing forces, Innocence and Experience silently (or quite loudly) walk arm-in-arm along parallel tracks. Suffering is not the absence of blessing any more than the best of times ever perpetually continue unvarnished in a fallen world.

Creative projects are often shaped both by random and enduring influences and inspirations. So for a pre-flight taste for this album, try shaking a jar full of drenched surf guitar, collegiate classical pop-art, Bohemian coffeehouse fingerpicking, classic country pedal steel, 90s fuzz, and lush orchestral flourishes.

Take a listen to experience some of the tension between Innocence and Experience, between William Blake’s words and my melodies.

allandouglas.net