Memoirs by Michael Black

A-Side: Tracks 1 - 9
B-Side: Tracks 10 - 15

Memoirs is intended to be approached as a musical diary: each entry opens a door and gives insight to Michael’s innermost thoughts, struggles and reflections. Memoirs addresses topics such as death, from its initial fear and uncertainty through to its acceptance, insignificance, and transcendence. Aside from death, Memoirs considers various aspects of philosophy and also features elements of numeric symbolism throughout.

‘I understood that by releasing something as intimate as Memoirs, I’d leave myself very exposed and somewhat vulnerable. But I couldn’t expect the listener to dwell and reflect on these thoughts in their own manner unless I provided an honest account in the first place. My wish is that Memoirs will allow others to engage with, explore and confront these often sensitive topics and also find comfort and reassurance in doing so.’ – Michael Black

To reflect this intimacy, Michael wished to recreate the experience of a personal live performance. Embracing an improvised and one-take approach during recording ensured Memoirs captured and preserved the raw essence of a live performance. The choice to include various nuances such as room noises – picked up by the room mics used for natural reverb – was also very deliberate and Michael called upon the help of Chris Ryan of Abbreviated Records during the mixing process to ensure the seamless flow between tracks. Merging these key elements allows the listener to sink into Memoirs as an entire work and performance from the safety and comfort of their own desired environment.

music to try and make sense of life

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