William Fitzsimmons’ Goodnight has been on heavy rotation here since we recently became aware of his acoustic prowess. William was cool enough to participate in our ongoing 5 Questions with Muzzle of Bees feature, check it out below and don’t forget to give him a listen.
Could you lend some information on the recording process of Goodnight? Where and how was it recorded, and were there any lessons learned that you’ll apply towards future recording sessions?
“Goodnight” took me about 5 months to record and mix, from start to finish. Looking back on it, it was actually a pretty overwhelming process. I did it all at my old home in Pittsburgh, in a small study I turned into a make-shift studio. I sealed and boarded up the windows, put foam all over the walls. It was actually kind of an ominous/depressing atmosphere to work in, especially for that long, but I think given the subject matter of the record, it was probably fitting. Although all the writing and most of the performance elements were mine, I did have several friends contribute talents to the record as well, most notably my friend Ingrid Michaelson, who sang on several of the songs. I’m extremely proud of the record, but I think if there was a lesson learned from the process, it’s that it’s never wise to shut yourself off from the world like that, no matter how important your work might be to you.
The internet has dramatically altered the way artists can reach an audience. With things like blogs/myspace/etc, what are your thoughts on the power of the internet in terms of helping (or hurting) your music?
I’ve only found the internet to be helpful in terms of my music thus far. If it weren’t for being able to put my songs on Myspace, for example, I don’t see how anyone would have heard my music to begin with. If there is a pitfall, I suppose it would be that so much of the industry has been decentralized now, so it’s more difficult for individual listeners to find artists who might still be under the radar ( i.e. just because there are so many people putting music out there now). But it’d be difficult for me to criticize the very process that enabled me to have the job I do! I think it’s important to remember that at the most basic level, the listener will always have the power to either support a given artist, or ignore them. The internet certainly has and will continue to influence that process, but I don’t think it can change that fundamental aspect.
We just wrapped up our favorite concerts and albums of 2007, do you have any shows or albums that stood out as favorites for you this past year?
I’m always careful to never give a ‘best of’ list myself, because I’m so terrible about keeping up with new music, shows, and so forth. However, I have been greatly enjoying Beirut’s latest CD, and the new Iron and Wine disc. I’m also addicted to several friends’ albums: Ingrid Michaelson, Cary Brothers, and Paper Route. I had the great fortune of touring with both Ingrid and Cary this past year, and I would tell anyone to take any chance to see them they could. It’s wonderful music made by good people.
What does 2008 hold for you with regards to recording and touring?
I’m just now looking at getting things started in terms of setting up touring for 2008. I have no idea about when, where, or who with, but it should be my most traveled year yet. I’m also in the process of figuring out recording for my next record. I have just about all the songs written, but I’m not sure what direction I want to take in terms of actually making the album. I’ve been thinking very seriously about doing the next one in a proper studio. Production work is hard! I think I might want to let somebody else have the headaches for this one.
You play a Taylor guitar. How long have you had it and how did you go about deciding to go with that model/brand?
Yeah, that little Taylor has been with me for I think around 7 years. It was used on both records, and goes with me every tour. It actually has a crack in it from an unfortunate incident of mishandling at an airport a little while back, but still sounds wonderful. It was a gift from a great old friend. It just felt rather perfect in my hands the first time I played it. It has a pretty bright voice, and it plays like a dream. I don’t think I’d trade that guitar for anything.
Myspace: William Fitzsimmons
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