My first EP, Taking Leave, was officially released… today! I wrote and recorded this debut EP with Tom Milsom, who sings on every song.
This project started back in December of 2008 when I sent a few acoustic demos to Tom. He heard the songs and agreed to help me produce this first EP.
When it came close to release time, I started storyboarding various music videos and trying different animation techniques, everything from live-action shots to kinetic typography. But none of it worked. In the end, I hired Ed Stockham, a YouTuber and old school (ie draws every frame instead of using keyframes) animator.
I sent him everything I had created and collected for the album art while working on the songs, as the album art helps back-up the CD’s story arc. I also went over the general plot of the album and specific scenes I wanted included in the music video. He sent me back this character sketch:
I knew I had found the right person for this project.
Over a two week period, the video was animated. Ed and I worked together on the story line, and if you already own the album, or purchase it sometime in the near future, you’ll recognize many other songs and story elements referenced in the “Can’t” music video. Which I, personally, think it a lot of fun, hiding little easter eggs in there for those who are really into the story/album.
So there it is up through today, release day. I have a few other fun things planned… There will be at least two cover songs going up in the coming weeks, one by nerimon, and one by doctornoise (and I encourage you to record your own if you’d like! more on that in a future blog post). There will be a club remix, constructed by my friend, thebeeobee, a very talented producer. And even the release of an exclusive b-side that will be available only to those who’ve already purchased the album. More details on all of that as it happens.
For now, I just hope you enjoy the album, the music video, the covers and remixes. I’m always available to discuss any of the above at alandistro@gmail.com. Happy rockin’ out!
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