MANTRAS Update, Jan. 2018

I started MANTRAS in 2013 when I chose four songs (#s 1-4 below) that have a reggae/ska feel. I dreamed of a horn section for these and contacted a great local trombone player and arranger (of Grupo Fantasma/Brownout fame) to write parts and produce a horn section.

We went into Tonehaus studio and laid down drums, bass, and guitar. We went back a few months later and laid down a three-piece horn section of trombone, sax, and trumpet.

I took all the tracks home, got lost in the weeds of editing it all, not knowing what I wanted. You know when you get your hopes and expectations up and then the details spin you around till you’re dizzy?

That was five years ago. Since then I have written new songs (and added two to the album that seem to fit nicely) but the unfinished MANTRAS has cast a shadow over my creative output. Now, as 2018 begins and I’ve got a bunch of new projects pulling me forward, my New Year’s resolution is to finish this album as an EP this Spring.

I’ll just keep repeating my mantra from I Have Arrived:

No more waiting for the stars to align
No more waiting, no more hesitating

Tracklist

Here is a rough-cut of the songs for the upcoming EP, MANTRAS:

1. No More Shitty Gigs (4m)
2. I Have Arrived (4m)
   
   Jason MolinI Have Arrived v.1.2

   Jason MolinI Have Arrived v.1.2
3. This Song Is Done (2:20m)
4. I’m Not Gonna Try (6:20m)
   
5. Bright Eyes Shine (3m)
6. Outside (4:30m)