In conjunction with Paste Magazine, we’re helping welcome William Fitzsimmons to Madison’s Cafe Montmartre (Friday, November 21st) and Chicago’s House of Blues (Saturday, November 22nd). A must see for anyone who considers themselves fans of Sufjan Stevens or Iron & Wine.

We’ve got four (4) pairs of tickets for both the Madison and Chicago dates to giveaway. If you’re interested, drop a comment with “Chicago” or “Madison” and we’ll take care of the first four claimants for each show. Until then, read our second interview with William and don’t pass up the free and legal download below of “If You Would Come Back Home.”

Could you lend some information on the recording process of The Sparrow and The Crow? Where and how was it recorded, and were there any lessons learned that you’ll apply towards future recording sessions?

Although I’d grown pretty comfortable taking on production duties for the music myself, the songs on this record were so personally important to me that I honestly just couldn’t handle the idea that they might be short-changed by me recording the album on my own. It had to be as good as possible, so I felt it was the right time to finally enter a proper studio. We did it at a great spot in Los Angeles (very near were some of my favorite old records were made) and it was produced by Marshall Altman, who I owe a lot to for giving me the sound I was looking for. I was getting lessons left and right out there on the process of making a record, and although I have no doubt home-recording will always have a place with me, I see a lot of benefits in having other knowledgeable individuals helping along the way. Great music can be made in isolation, absolutely. But sometimes even better music can be made with others. Probably the biggest thing I learned was that.

On this tour you’re joined by Slow Runner and Caitlin Crosby. How did you come to know them and why should people make it out early to catch their sets?

Slow Runner and I actually share the same management, and I’d been listening to their stuff for the last several months and kind of fell in love with the idea of putting it all together for a show: having them play on my songs, and getting to play on theirs. These guys are born to play music and put on a killer show every night. Caitlin was kind of a friend of a friend for a long time, and when I finally heard her sing, I asked her to sing on my record the same night. She puts me to shame with that voice of hers, haha. And yeah it’s definitely the kind of show you want to see all of, because it’s really one big show, not just 3 unrelated pieces.

I’m looking at your tour schedule and you’re pulling quite the residency in Germany. I imagine that’s a result of strong support for your music. Tell me about how you found yourself with almost a month’s worth of tour dates there and if this will be your first time playing that country.

There was a great indie label over there by the name of Haldern Pop who got in touch and said they were big fans of the tunes and thought they should be heard more over in Germany, etc… And I’ve always said that as long as people really understand the project, and get the idea that this isn’t about making radio singles and buying mansions, I’m open to working with them. These guys got me and what I was wanting to communicate to people, so it was a natural thing to do really. So I’m lucky enough to get to go over there now and really start building a relationship with my German and European listeners and see what happens. I don’t know how I got so fortunate to have that happen, but I’m definitely embracing the chance.

While on tour what are some of the things/places you’ll miss most from your regular, non-touring routine?

Oh man there’s quite a bit. I mean touring can be a blast, don’t get me wrong. I’m getting to see all these new places, hang out with very genuine and kind people, and basically be a big kid again and play music all the time. If there’s anybody luckier I wouldn’t really know it. But for me it gets really difficult to be away from family and friends. I can be a loner for a while, but there gets to a point where I just need to see my loved ones. That’s the hardest part and the thing I miss the most. Sitting outside, drinking a beer, just being quiet and enjoying the time at home, that’s the stuff my mind goes to.

What is on your bookshelf at the moment? Any books you’ve read over the past year that you’d recommend?

Ah you kind of caught me red-handed on the reading issue. I love reading when I’m at home, but on the road I find my mind is usually too occupied with other issues to be able to relax into and concentrate on a novel. I think the last book I read at home was “The Scarlet Letter” by Hawthorne, and I’ve got “Crime and Punishment” on the cue for the next read. I’ve got a penchant for classic novels, I think because I missed out on a lot of them when there was family troubles at the time I would have been reading them in school. I’m catching up on my Jr. High school years or something. I’ll be damned if I have to take gym class again, though.

Myspace: William Fitzsimmons
MP3: William Fitzsimmons - “If You Would Come Back Home”

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