>> january 30, 2012
Many thanks to Sascha at milchmithonig.de (Berlin) who has written about Latitude!.. check out his review and comment for a free copy of the album. (English version up there too) See you at the Meuterei sir!
>> january 1, 2012
the sounds of forward motion |
January 1, 2012: 'Latitude', Morgan Finlay's fifth album, officially released today
Greetings my friends on the occasion of this fresh new start! Raise your glass--or your chai tea latté-- to 2012; to the next year of life, fabulous life; to you, and today; to 'Latitude'! This update is all about what's happening around the release of my fifth album... because there are a lot of little wheels rolling in a surreal kind of harmony, and I want to acknowledge them as a group. Plus of course, the more that I share the music and then we share it (THANK YOU!!), the more that people get to hear this album and pass the songs along... the more wind the album gets in its little sails. Below is a list of ways for you to interact with 'Latitude', enjoy the music and help spread the word. Please let me know if I've missed your favorite platform/site...
the songs! This album was a process completely cobbled together in love and support, from fans and friends alike. It completely changed the paradigm of possibility for me personally... and I certainly am not looking back. The musical group that came together was a dream and I think you will agree that the performances of Dean Drouillard, Mike Olsen, Marlow Holder, Brendan Hamley, Katheryn Petersen and Jake Roeder each bring their respective songs to a higher level. The album is by now, live and up for listening + viewing + picking up, 24/7 on >> Bandcamp here, and >> on CD Baby here iTunes and a bunch of others will follow in the coming weeks. I love both Bandcamp and CDBaby!.. but I do want to let you know that Bandcamp is special for three reasons: 1. it's the place to pick up the Latitude album booklet, and even see inside; 2. you can get 3 free downloads ('Good Will Running', '(in)Security' and 'zensong'); and 3. all the lyrics from Latitude are on display! Of course, it is simple and slick too which is a bonus. The Latitude booklet itself is a stunning gallery of the talented work of photographer Dominik Dunsch, and in yet another first for me and my music, we have worked together to pair each song of mine with an image of his, making the album still more visually integrated. A profound thrill for me. Have a look!
the spring tour! (March 17 - April 7) Three years after my fifth European tour drew to a close in Luzern, I am finally heading back onto the road!! This wonderful exchange of music and stories and soul, plugging in and sharing these songs, that I have grown to miss so much, will start again in just a few weeks, really... and it's thanks to fans who contributed on IndieGoGo! I must say that this tour finds me in better shape than before, mostly regrouped, and with a stack of new stories. Tammo Jansen did a tremendous job of slinging the tour dates together, and the result is 17 shows in three weeks, through two of my very favourite places to be on earth; Germany and Austria. The full schedule of shows is on my site and I really hope that you will find at least one of them that makes sense for you! I am hoping to draw together a show in Vancouver in the spring as well.. I have delayed in setting this up, partly because I can't decide where to have it and partly because I have been distracted by this release. Now actually, I am thinking that instead of having it in the lead-up to the tour, I might have it after I get back (might just be some good stories in there...!!). And I *do* foresee the remote possibility late next year, of shows in Toronto, Montreal and even Edmonton and Halifax. Just putting that out there, for what it's worth... Click here to see all the dates...
morganfinlay.com My 'home on the range', here on the wide-open plains of our 'second life' that the internet is now, has become quite the little intersection of vibe for me. Kind of like... my internet kitchen table, and... everyone has been stopping by. It's great and as a musician in this day and age I feel more empowered (and realistic) than ever before. Click here to pull up a chair. Everything that has happened, 'step by step' is somehow connected to my website. It's exciting to have so much content, really! I remember not being able to necessarily connect with the 'content' idea, but I now happily realize that content just... happens. I'm quite proud of my site, and so happy with Hostbaby.
YouTube FinlayTV came alive in 2011, and will play a huge part in the next tour (March 17-April 7). Because, I'm going to encourage anybody who feels like it, to shoot live video of shows... and hopefully let me post it! Of course, the main driver behind my YouTube channel in 2011 was the creative efforts of the six videographers who turned the musical dimension of 'Latitude' into a lush visual one with their heartfelt videos. FinlayTV took on a much homelier vibe this year and it was because of you; Dominik Dunsch, Joe Diepold, Torsten Rudolph, Nina Polkinghorne, Hanna van Behr, and Justus Ramm. The ten Latitude videos are right here on FinlayTV... please do take a few minutes to troll them all and leave your thoughts!
Facebook/Twitter This year I have really come into my own in terms of social media-- at least, I guess I am better at managing it, so that it doesn't run my life. Of course, I returned to FB last year after a year+ hiatus, and I have to admit that I have been feeding it more and more. I just love the way all of these threads of people's lives interweave, I have to say that from a standpoint of humanity it feels like the most ironic thing ever; it increases our inter-personal connections by letting us share, create, react with people we otherwise couldn't-- at the same time, the amount of time I spend at the computer is cutting into the amount of real-life, face time that I get with other humans. Hmmm. Well, anyways. I'm loving it!! I really enjoy the interactions that are happening on my FB bandpage Please come and like the page. I am pretty newbie towards 'twitting', but I enjoy feeding it and following things that are cool. You will find me on Twitter as MFinlayToday.
Wordpress This blog site started out as somewhere that I would start to document any insights or opinions, but the truth is that broadcasting snippets of thought thru FB/TW is much more fun for me these days. I totally love the WP lay-out and ease of interaction... I plan to start feeding it more soon. In the meantime, I love it as a place to post about music I've been hearing and loving. Come and browse right here.
alongtheroad.de Sway has kept increasing this site's cool factor, and I think that she has it more dialled out then ever before. What an honour! Check it out in English and Deutsch... she also is the ringleader for a different MF page on FB, here.
other sites where Latitude is, or will be... I really like LastFM, for the way that it works and things get shared. Come and add me to your radio! My Soundcloud page is fun and easy as pie to operate. I like the purest sharing of music that is going on here. Please come and find me! I've been having fun feeding Jango airplay credits and the number of people who have been hearing me is actually pretty impressive. I like thesixtyone.com's entire presentation, and the way they skip through so much different indie stuff. Cool bananas.
Alright... I think that's the lot of them. Whew! I'm sure there's a couple I've missed, but... we'll just let the internet take care of that won't we now. Until the next my friend, I hope you enjoy my brand new fifth album as much as I have enjoyed putting it together. It feels like an elevating experience, and more than a little surreal. I love these songs like children. Thank you in advance for cranking up your favourites and sending them out into the world... Happy New Year to you and yours, and see you out there soon! [alles bestens, from Morgan] |
>> december 30, 2011
Back out on the road!!.. I'm raising the 'mf3.0' flag-- it's high time to announce some shows.
Plans to tour again... soon... started to come together last spring, into summer.
Tammo Jansen came on board and brought his great energy, I gave him some names and he brought some as well. From there, he took care of the back and forth of bringing the tour dates online and coordinating the event, while personally moving from Germany to the UK, and then back. Kudos, alter.
The response has been tremendous from everyone involved in putting the tour on, and a killer collection of my *favourite venues* around Germany and Austria have come together. All this is a little more impressive considering several of these places had not heard from me in a few years.
Click here or go to the 'spring tour 2012' tab above, to get all the details!
The 'TBA's listed on the schedule are only 'to be announcing' specific venues, because we will definitely be playing in those towns. The calendar dates we had to make the tour, were only bounded by my commitments back here in Canada-- oh, and a little vacation visit to Wales and Ireland.
Thanks be to the great and noble efforts by Tammo Jansen in Osnabruck, and to each of the venue owners, promoters and bookers who will welcome us to their rooms.
Stock up your tea supply, guys-- that's all I can say.
>> december 25, 2011
Welcome to the final video for 'Latitude', my own personal take on the song 'Latitude'!...
First and foremost of course... Merry Christmas to each and every one of you, and I wish you the finest, most relaxing little vacation this weekend and for the next couple days. In fact, I hope it lasts clear into 2012!
It will be a hopeful year in the world I predict, and I hope that all that is good touches you.
I've created the last video in the 'Latitude' series myself...
...I wrote this song in Bern and I think that although this video is clearly a tribute to East Van, the spirit is carried. I dedicate it to fans, friends and family who have pumped a gigantic breath of fresh air and life into my career and my song in the last year; I dedicate it forward to those of you that I will see in person on tour in the spring; and of course, I dedicate it to the marvel of humanity that is East Vancouver, BC.
A most special dedication is saved for last here; that which I owe to the videographers who have taken their time and energy (*it takes time and energy*) to produce videos for my songs. They all managed to pull them together in time for my video release 'schedule' as well, and I was truly moved by each one of them.
Once again, they were:
Dominik Dunsch and 'Factor In'
Joe Diepold and 'Allez Allez'
Torsten Rudolph and '46'
Nina Polkinghorne and 'Strolls of Angels'
Hanna von Behr and 'The Price of Gold'
Justus Ramm and 'Nothing Left To See'
I proudly present to you the final video for my fifth album 'Latitude'!.. it is for you.
Best of the holidays and once again, thank you so much for such a marvelous year of support and love.
Please write me any time (contact page above) to let me know your thoughts!
>> december 16, 2011
Second-last video for 'Latitude', Justus Ramm's touching 'Nothing Left To See'...
Each of the videographers for 'Latitude' has taken the time to absorb one of the songs and shape it in their own way, and has carved large amounts of time out of their lives to make these pictures look fantastic.
And we have been blessed to be able to watch them all as they dropped, from the comfort of our own homes!
Tonight's video is from Justus Ramm, who makes 'Nothing Left To See' shine. Enjoy Latitude video #9!
>> december 9, 2011
A warm MF welcome tonight... to Hanna von Behr's video for 'The Price of Gold'!
Often times in life I find that it's easy to get swept up and not see the entire chain of events that take place, that lead to the point we're at. There have been a hundred things that have happened since Hanna visited Vancouver in December of last year; when she was here we'd talked about her doing a video for one of the songs on the album.
She graciously accepted the challenge, and so it was that the idea of asking the fans to shoot videos, was born from that moment!
Tonight I proudly release her video, the eighth in the series and yet another great statement made over my music, by friends and fans. Please head up to YouTube or even Facebook to watch and leave a comment!!
>> december 2, 2011
Tonight we arrive at #7... and this one is a montage of my own making, for 'Good Will Running'!
This was actually my first-ever effort at making my own video and I am still quite proud of it! It features sometimes cool, sometimes pretty jumpy footage that I took from a point-and-shoot as I meandered through my first couple tours of Europe. Enjoy its scrappy flavour and as always, please do drop off your comments and likes on my YouTube channel or on Facebook!
>> november 25, 2011
Nina Polkinghorne delivers 'Strolls of Angels', for our sixth Latitude video release!
The videos keep rolling out and the passion for the music continues to humble me. Nina's sweet video is the 4th fan-made production from the album... enjoy her hard work and please feel free to drop comments and 'likes', as always!
>> november 18, 2011
Presenting 'Upon The Open Grey', the 5th video release for my 5th album 'Latitude'!
It's a huge weekend for MF3.0, as we not only release yet another video for the album, on FinlayTV (see all the fabulous videos that have come before, linked below)... but also finalize the graphics for the album and get set to submit the job to our talented printers on Monday.
(A get-well wish to Dominik who is battling through illness to bring the Latitude booklet to completion!)
So we are halfway to the end of our run of ten fan-made (and self-made) videos for this album... let's celebrate this together with this latest vid. Featuring both Brian Leavesley and our mad-skilled mixer Jeff Grout.
>> november 11, 2011
Torsten Rudolph offers us his video for '46'!..
Fourth in the series of fan-made videos (yep, I'm pitching in for a couple too!) comes my friend from Chemnitz's video for '46', the instrumental and album-closing song from 'Latitude'. Watch it here and connect with FinlayTV on youTube to post comments and to share! Thanks to all for support and appreciation of these fans' beautiful and heartfelt efforts...
>>november 4, 2011
Announcing video number three from 'Latitude'... it's Joe Diepold's 'Allez Allez'!
Next in the series of amazing fan-produced videos, is Joe Diepold's MF3.0 video for 'Allez Allez'! Make sure to change your YouTube settings to 1080p-HD (bottom right corner of screen) to get the whole picture; and please do leave your comments on FinlayTV (YouTube) as always... enjoy your weekend to the fullest!
>> october 28, 2011
'Lighthouse'... it's video number two from Latitude!
Happy weekend to you my friend!... one week after our first-ever video release, with Dominik Dunsch's very personal video for 'Factor In', it's time again... to release another video!
I chose to do this one myself, partly because it's my favourite and partly because our videographers were working on other videos already!... I really do love mixing the visuals with the song and look forward to hearing what you think.
Please do post comments and 'likes' on my youTube channel!... and spread the links... it is tremendously appreciated. Happy weekend!
>> october 21, 2011
Our first video... Dominik Dunsch's 'Factor In'!
Greetings from East Van and MFHQ!
Today is a huge day for me, and I am so grateful to be able to share it with you... coming out of this historic year for my music, my career and I, we now start a thrilling set of events that will be looked back at fondly as another MF turning point.
Read on below, but first... Dominik Dunsch's video for 'Factor In'...
Back in the spring, I asked you, the fans if you wanted to shoot a video for one of the songs on 'Latitude', and seven of you responded right away... YES!
So it was that seven different songs were handed over to seven different videographers, to run with and create to. The idea was to let each fan entirely shape a video according to the vision that they had when they listened to the song.
And the results have been unbelievably charming and authentic.
I'm not just being nice when I say that I am totally inspired and motivated when I see the videos that have come in, that come directly from the fans' inner visions and outlooks. The effect of a video, to go along with the song, is something incredibly powerful and moving!
So, with the release of 'Latitude' now just around the corner, we'll begin this morning to roll out one video per week, until each and every video has been posted here to MF.com, and to FinlayTV on YouTube.
Relax and enjoy the efforts, big and small, 'home-jobs' from the hearts of people just like you who offered their time, energy and passion to create visuals for my songs. I couldn't be more inspired by this commitment and I love each and every video equally. I hope you will see past any 'lo-fi' issues to the heart of what is happening here, which is a beautiful tribute to songs that these seven people enjoy.
Endless thanks to the videographers and to you for tuning in... the musical/visual harmony between Morgan Finlay songs and the environment around us, begins!!
Enjoy and please comment on and pass along as always,
[from Morgan]
>> october 15, 2011
Good morning, my dear friends and MF supporters!..
Just waking up here in East Vancouver, and awakening to the reality that this IndieGoGo campaign has been. Now finally closed, it has been absolutely... inspiring... unbelievable. Absolutely the real thing!!
MF fans and friends, each of you-- together-- has shown me what is possible when the music and faith speak first. You have made my dream of releasing a record, and being able to focus on the music, entirely possible and what's more... you've pushed it into an even greater gear by surging over the goal amount, to $5,652.
The extra amount over the goal amount of $5,000 will go towards paying the IndieGoGo fee (4% of money raised) and what's left after that, directly on to the promotion budget (added to the $750). Since this is money and investment that we're talking about here... you can trust that I will be 120% accountable with every single move. I think that this might make your investment feel even richer. Look for the breakdown of where the money is going, and even when it has been paid, on a special IndieGoGo/Latitude page that I will make on my site here later this weekend.
Now, it's also very important to me that I take a minute to thank every person who has watched this campaign roll, and known that they can't afford to contribute. Your support and love is equally valued!! and... this is something that I would actually like to remind the 97 contributors:
*your contributions are actually doing what many people cannot afford to do*... that is to say... as if it wasn't enough that your funds are speaking for YOUR belief and your love...
...your contributions speak, and act, for the entire fanbase who support and love just like you!
I am going to make each and every one of you proud.
You were right Torsten-- I really should relax today. It feels like I have not taken a minute away from things, for the last 80 days and not only would it feel good-- it's probably vital.
In the meantime, this album, this 5th collection of songs that I've made called 'Latitude' moves into a thrilling new phase and I have a lot to write about the process, the emotions all the way along.
I haven't decided exactly where I will mostly gather them, since I like each of these different media platforms for different reasons. However, for the purpose of centralizing my thoughts (!), and reaching the most people with them I think that I will probably do the primary updates here on MF.com, and link to them from my MF bandpage on Facebook. Trust that you will be 'in the know', every minute of the way.
Now I look out the window, into a new day dawning for my music and I. How... far this has all come since Toronto in 2002...
Thank you, every one of you, for making this all possible.
I feel like words are just not enough-- though I've always got a trunk-full of them-- I am in a wonderful space of realizations today and I just want to absorb it for a few hours, before we blast forward-- together-- towards the release, and the spring tour.
Have a TERRIFIC DAY in your life and thank you infinitely for your faith!!
[love and respect, in my brightest morning yet. Morgan]
>> october 1
Today the mixes that Jeff Grout and Jake Roeder brought together, will travel down to land on Brock McFarlane's console to be blessed by his talent.
Check out the new samples on the 'Latitude song samples' tab above!
In the last couple days, as Jake bounced me these unbelievably warm mixes of 'Latitude', 'Progress', 'Factor In' and '46', I have been really connecting with the feelings around the writing of these songs; how we've brought them this far; and above and beyond, an appreciation of the love and support of the people involved in my music, my career and my life. Thanks to each of you; to the musical team of players and engineers that has helped craft these songs, to my IndieGoGo team, to the videographer team that is shooting videos, to Tammo and the promoters who are crafting the perfect tour.
I'll put my raincoat on in a half hour, load the hard drive into my bag and have a great walk through the mist, from Commercial Drive down past Main Street. And the mastering of my creations will begin. On to the next-- I want to taste every flavour.
>> september 14
WOW!! The power of all of us, acting and thinking together... caring for the earth!.. Bless the lush greens and the gorgeous blues...
Watch the live feed right now... 24 speakers from 24 cities all around the world... the Climate Project has got to be heard. GO LIVE:
>> september 3
Marker by marker-- here's the latest! *SONG SAMPLES* for each of the 13 tracks of 'Latitude'!!
Listen to them on my Facebook player! ... or click the 'Latitude' tab at the top of this page!
The oven's still hot-- it's such an intense state to be in, when you've finally birthed something so intimate. I'm really overcome.
A great stretch with Jeff Grout, the concertmaster on mix; process was super fun and relaxed. Now it's about letting the songs ring through the halls... and keeping things hot on IndieGoGo.com! (please come up, and find yourself a 'perk'!)
Best of these days, such faith... it is awe-inspiring. This one's for you.
[from Morgan]
>> august 27, 2011
May this good man rest in peace, may his vision make us all hopeful.
A letter to Canadians from the Honourable Jack Layton
August 20, 2011
Toronto, Ontario
Dear Friends,
Tens of thousands of Canadians have written to me in recent weeks to wish me well. I want to thank each and every one of you for your thoughtful, inspiring and often beautiful notes, cards and gifts. Your spirit and love have lit up my home, my spirit, and my determination.
Unfortunately my treatment has not worked out as I hoped. So I am giving this letter to my partner Olivia to share with you in the circumstance in which I cannot continue.
I recommend that Hull-Aylmer MP Nycole Turmel continue her work as our interim leader until a permanent successor is elected.
I recommend the party hold a leadership vote as early as possible in the New Year, on approximately the same timelines as in 2003, so that our new leader has ample time to reconsolidate our team, renew our party and our program, and move forward towards the next election.
A few additional thoughts:
To other Canadians who are on journeys to defeat cancer and to live their lives, I say this: please don’t be discouraged that my own journey hasn’t gone as well as I had hoped. You must not lose your own hope. Treatments and therapies have never been better in the face of this disease. You have every reason to be optimistic, determined, and focused on the future. My only other advice is to cherish every moment with those you love at every stage of your journey, as I have done this summer.
To the members of my party: we’ve done remarkable things together in the past eight years. It has been a privilege to lead the New Democratic Party and I am most grateful for your confidence, your support, and the endless hours of volunteer commitment you have devoted to our cause. There will be those who will try to persuade you to give up our cause. But that cause is much bigger than any one leader. Answer them by recommitting with energy and determination to our work. Remember our proud history of social justice, universal health care, public pensions and making sure no one is left behind. Let’s continue to move forward. Let’s demonstrate in everything we do in the four years before us that we are ready to serve our beloved Canada as its next government.
To the members of our parliamentary caucus: I have been privileged to work with each and every one of you. Our caucus meetings were always the highlight of my week. It has been my role to ask a great deal from you. And now I am going to do so again. Canadians will be closely watching you in the months to come. Colleagues, I know you will make the tens of thousands of members of our party proud of you by demonstrating the same seamless teamwork and solidarity that has earned us the confidence of millions of Canadians in the recent election.
To my fellow Quebecers: On May 2nd, you made an historic decision. You decided that the way to replace Canada’s Conservative federal government with something better was by working together in partnership with progressive-minded Canadians across the country. You made the right decision then; it is still the right decision today; and it will be the right decision right through to the next election, when we will succeed, together. You have elected a superb team of New Democrats to Parliament. They are going to be doing remarkable things in the years to come to make this country better for us all.
To young Canadians: All my life I have worked to make things better. Hope and optimism have defined my political career, and I continue to be hopeful and optimistic about Canada. Young people have been a great source of inspiration for me. I have met and talked with so many of you about your dreams, your frustrations, and your ideas for change. More and more, you are engaging in politics because you want to change things for the better. Many of you have placed your trust in our party. As my time in political life draws to a close I want to share with you my belief in your power to change this country and this world. There are great challenges before you, from the overwhelming nature of climate change to the unfairness of an economy that excludes so many from our collective wealth, and the changes necessary to build a more inclusive and generous Canada. I believe in you. Your energy, your vision, your passion for justice are exactly what this country needs today. You need to be at the heart of our economy, our political life, and our plans for the present and the future.
And finally, to all Canadians: Canada is a great country, one of the hopes of the world. We can be a better one – a country of greater equality, justice, and opportunity. We can build a prosperous economy and a society that shares its benefits more fairly. We can look after our seniors. We can offer better futures for our children. We can do our part to save the world’s environment. We can restore our good name in the world. We can do all of these things because we finally have a party system at the national level where there are real choices; where your vote matters; where working for change can actually bring about change. In the months and years to come, New Democrats will put a compelling new alternative to you. My colleagues in our party are an impressive, committed team. Give them a careful hearing; consider the alternatives; and consider that we can be a better, fairer, more equal country by working together. Don’t let them tell you it can’t be done.
My friends, love is better than anger. Hope is better than fear. Optimism is better than despair. So let us be loving, hopeful and optimistic. And we’ll change the world.
All my very best,
Jack Layton
>> august 2, 2011
I just posted these updates to my email list: wouldn't be fair for you not to see them too. It's a little long, but... everything's in there!
Join on to the list in the little box to your right there to get these updates by email, as they happen!
In Song & Video... it's MF3.0!
Well, my friend; 'Latitude' is in its final approach...
Happy summertime in your world... I hope you are keeping well and feeling the warm embrace of life. I know many of you have been having some regretful weather but... have faith! The bright stuff is coming. (And I don't mean snow)
Yes-- it has been one hell of a year in East Vancouver so far, on the personal side of things; but that belongs in another conversation. Challenges of life, we all know and mine are no more important than yours.
Meanwhile, after some 2.5 years since my last stage-- and 4 years since my last release-- there is something really huge growing under our feet here, and little details are quickly turning into big news. There are several different parts to this picture!.. and I am going to roll them out to you, one by one over the next several weeks, with some updates below.
There is so much going on that I only hope that I can keep up!.. after all this time, it seems that it is OK if it just comes on nice and slow.
Firstly, let me start with you.
Thank you for sticking with me, and staying in touch, for my music... and for me. you cannot know how much this has meant for me, lighting up the moments where all I've wanted to do was get back to the stage, plug in and have a sip of tea as I peer out through the lights.
Thank you for voting on the songs that you wanted to hear on 'Latitude'... The recordings are humming right along and this is the subject of my first update below!
Thank you for diving in to direct videos for 'Latitude'... so far, eight of you have jumped in to share your vision, and chosen one of the thirteen songs to be yours to shoot. Hey videographers... three are still available! Read about 'Latitude's video crusade in my second update.
Thank you for writing and asking me time and time again, when you could pick up the album, and when I was going to get back on the road. I have the answer to both of these questions!... and I am going to unveil them in the next two weeks. That would be the third update below!
And finally... thank you for coming to meet me in the new places that you can find me, 'up' on the internet... it has been a steady path to get all these twitters and facebooks in line, and I'm not done yet. That's the update for the end of this mail-- read on!
Meet the songs, all over again!.. a glance at where 'Latitude' is at.
I've been chopping away at the recordings and taking in the amazing performances of my talented friends. First came Dean Drouillard's guitar tracks, which elevated Lighthouse and The Price of Gold to perfection out of the gate. They grew gigantic and listening to him I knew we were going to have an album. That was in the end of May.
The month of June brought Mike Olsen's beautiful, haunting cello lines on The Maker's Hand, Latitude, and Lighthouse. They have quickly defined these songs and you won't ever forget them.
Then, in the first week of July I heard something in my head; it was an accordion, and it had something to say. The following week I was sitting in on a once-a-month accordion jam at a punky bookstore in East Van, and this is where I met Katheryn Petersen. Soon after came her wonderful contribution to Allez Allez, which I'm sure you will agree, was 'written' from the start.
Bringing us... up to the moment! Marlow Holder and I met last week and he delivered a perfectly inspired bass feel for The Price Of Gold and Upon The Open Grey. We started work on Allez Allez as well which will come to fruition at our next session, along with Lighthouse and Progress. His work will be a strong cornerstone for the 'produced' songs from the record.
Alas-- the only hitch (so far) in the process has been in the drums department... after all this process with my go-to drummer, the very talented brother Tom Steppich, we have agreed that it is too hard to style and track his cuts from across the world, given the means and the amount of time that we have. You will see us playing together on a future release when we can be closer in the process-- already looking forward to bringing it together.
Look for an update on the percussion side of things in the next newsletter... and trust me when I say that these songs are absolutely glowing... all cannons squarely aimed at an October release!
Now-- the 'Latitude' videos!
In the last newsletter I wrote, I put the call out for videographers to do their own video for one of the 13 songs on Latitude, The response has been incredibly inspiring!!
Now, some weeks later, we are *eight* video directors, and counting! This number includes me, since I will do two of the videos myself.
So-- there's still time to join us and create a video for one of the 3 songs that are left!.. As I wrote in the last newsletter, there are only three rules that I have for you; the rest is 100% wide open for you to make it the way YOU feel it:
1) No violence, 2) No religion, and 3) No porn.
Can you create within these lines, and get your video done by September 15th? You do NOT have to have any level of video-making talent or experience, just the time and access to the gear you need. And of course... the passion for the song you're doing!
If you think you can realistically see yourself doing a video, please drop me a line so we can set you up!
All videos will be promoted on FinlayTV on YouTube; I will steer every bit of traffic to watch your work, and credit you anywhere possible. And your video will be released alongside the 'Latitude' songs, forming the visual representation of these songs that everyone will remember!
Without any more delay... I am absolutely thrilled and honoured to announce the following creative projects (in no particular order):
Justus is producing 'Nothing Left To See'
Hanna is producing 'The Price of Gold'
Nina is producing 'Strolls of Angels'
Joe is producing 'Allez Allez'
Stefan is producing 'Progress'
Dominik is producing 'Factor In'
Kaddy is producing 'Another Old Friend'
and I will produce 'Good Will Running' and 'Latitude'.
What a thrill this is! Video and audio, finally coming together for MF 3.0. Thank you to all the directors!! and hope to add you to the list...
Introducing... IndieGoGo!
A friend of mine told me about Kickstarter a couple of months ago, and I was as excited as ever by the idea of fans of my music being able to get intimately involved with my music and my career. Not only that, but... well, I am not able to pay for this entire recording process, the promotion of the record and getting it out onto the stages on my own. 'Crowdfunding' was suddenly a very logical step to take.
The central idea is that you can buy one of the 'perks' that I will offer (I will have 12), and by supporting my 'campaign' (as they call it), we both get something very real out of this. It is basically as though... you are not only a fan of my music, but also even my record label, simply by buying an album!... since of course, one of the perks on offer will be a fresh new copy of my brand new record, 'Latitude'.
You can read all about the other rewards that I will have when you have a look at my 'campaign'!... I've been building it up as a draft behind the scenes for the last couple weeks, and so it hasn't gone live yet. It will go live in the next two weeks, once everything is all together... I will send another newsletter and post it on the 'networks', to get everyone up to check it out. For now, feel free to click on through right here to see what IndieGogo.com is all about!
People like Aleisha Reale, Val Mason and Pete Coons have been majorly helpful as I create what is basically a proposal and a promise, to you and to everybody who will choose to support the making this record, and the tour that will follow. Other soul sisters & brothers who have gotten on board already as 'team members' (interested?) include Tanja Hiepler, Christina Werner, Christof Weber, Kaddy and Sway.
Please help me out by dropping in, and spreading the word once it gets up and running! It's all very exciting and I must admit-- a little nerve-wracking at the same time. Now THIS is as 2011 as it gets!
And finally... Mr. Super Social!
I climbed back into the Facebook ship at the beginning of the year, but.. this was only the beginning. I only recently jumped on the Twitter Train (ay, ay, ay!) and I have to admit that I don't yet fully understand it... but it does seem fun!
Click through on the buttons below and join me on these networks, where I am posting thoughts and opinion pieces (it is me after all!), and updates on the many processes of 'Latitude' as they rumble along.
More updates to come as they happen... and Latitude rises from one stage to the next!
Please feel free to write me any time, and stay healthy and happy to the next,
[from Morgan]
>> july 27, 2011
Very happy to have been involved in this effort in Wiener Neustadt, Austria to provide homeless and recently immigrated people with work, and the means to continue working and living a fuller life. I was asked to add a song to their compilation, and you will hear 'Night At The Mercury' on there alongside 16 other talented artists.
Kudos to Brigitte Haberstroh (see her site here) who has coordinated the benefit CD and the whole drive to make a difference. She wrote the artists recently, to announce that since the launch of the CD, the organization has been able to buy weather-proof jackets, German courses, shoes, bikes, backpacks, and more to help these people survive against the odds.
The CD, called 'Live More Musically', was proposed in coordination with the amazing Pinki at the Backstage Bar, and Martin at No Mainstream Music. Click through here for more info:
http://www.nomainstream-music.com/Album/livemoremusically.aspx
Thank YOU for bringing this important project to it's feet!
>> july 2, 2011
Well my friends... here we are. On the path to the release of 'Latitude' !
I am really so happy to be making this album at this time in my life, and right alongside fans of my music. I can hardly tell you just how much your support means to me.
Thank you.
So this summer, with the songlist that you chose back in January in hand, I set to bringing in a handful of very talented musicians, who would contribute to parts of the record. Of course at the same time, I got down to refreshing the performances that are already down, and playing with mixes. What a happy process for me; what a personal milestone.
So at this point-- the production of the new album is moving through the first stage and will see the light of day after mixing, mastering and other due process is finished... it will be a fall release. (exact date TBA... check back right here!)
Things have gotten off to an incredible start, with friend and accomplice Dean Drouillard (Sarah Harmer, Royal Wood) weighing in on three tracks with some guitar parts that have simply brought those songs to an epic place.
And wait until you hear the cellos that Mike Olsen (Arcade Fire, Hidden Cameras) has laid upon his three songs... they are riveting and almost make me feel like the songs were written around his melodies.
As July starts, the month promises to be gigantic as well, especially when I start merging into my songs the international rhythm section of Marlow Holder (Kinnie Starr, Zubot & Dawson) on bass, and Tom Steppich (The Presley Family) on drums. I'm bracing for more mind-blowing performances as these two bros put the hammer down on five tunes.
Meanwhile, I have decided that every good song... deserves a good video!
Audio and Video for me are such a natural pair, and the songs have a way of growing when they are together; at least in my mind!
So the next step in the coming forth of Latitude, was to reach out to the MF list and ask for videographers for the new record! I sent an email around to the fanlist, asking if anyone was interested in shooting videos, to be released simultaneously with the album.
This idea has come roaring out of the blocks, and to now... we are seven different videographers/directors who will shoot seven different videos for the songs on the album!
It is almost hard to explain how very, very cool it is to know that there are six people (plus myself) who heard these songs and wanted to make visual statements to accompany them.
If you want to create a video for one of the six songs that do not yet have directors, please just email me... (before there's none left!)
Lastly, but certainly not least, I am very happy to announce that Dominik Dunsch (dunsch-photography.com) will bring his photographic vision to the graphics of Latitude; once again, I am honoured to share this project with such a talent who gets what I am doing. Look for an exciting visual collection from him that defines the spirit of the album.
All of the people involved in the production of the album, audio/video or otherwise are busy professionals who understand what is going on with me and my songs, and I could not have done this without them. I thank each and every one of them and I am humbled.
Keep checking back for a thrilling announcement that has to do with the next tour, coming soon!... some bold new ground for me that will bring me back to the road-- and you are once again right in the passenger seat, where you belong. Buckle up!
To then, health and inner peace and big sunshine to carry you--
[from Morgan]
** Sign up to receive my newsletter every once in a while (on the right side of the page), and you'll be right up to speed with the Latitude release and coming shows!**
summer time... and the tracks roll in!
june 8, 2011--
boo-YAH from Vancouver! it's getting hot here and we are all soaking it up on the coast. I told Frank the other day that my favorite word of the summer was 'Ahhh'. With the Canucks struggling in the playoffs, it's time for me to focus back on what else is going on here...
HERE!.. right at home, in front of my Mac with these sessions live, I am keeping the cuts from my next album Latitude as natural and close to the heart as possible. Wait til you hear what my inspiring brother Dean Drouillard (Sarah Harmer) has added to 'The Price of Gold', and 'Lighthouse' on guitars. They sound unbelievable.
And we're just getting started... keep it locked here!
Meanwhile... how would YOU like to be an official Morgan Finlay videographer? I am looking for videographers (of any skill whatsoever!) to create a video for their favorite song from the coming record. There are several perks involved, but best of all your video could be the one that launches the record, in this viral world, and becomes synonymous with some of my music. Who knows where THAT adventure could lead!
Please drop a line if you want in!.. and keep it locked here for updates through the summer and towards the fall release...
[from Morgan]
ps. When you have the time, please do go out into the world and check out some of the sites I'm on... choose your favourites, tell someone and help me spread my music! Thanks!
<< the official release of Latitude is January 1st!.. pre-listen on Bandcamp.com
<< follow the pace of things at your very own morganfinlay.com
<< watch all of the videos for Latitude, and more on FinlayTV
<< make it Finlay Radio... at LastFM or on Jango
<< read up... MF's WordPress blog
<< MF on Facebook here and at Sway's FB group here
<< pick up Latitude or any MF tracks you might be missing at cdbaby.com
<< peruse Sway's très cool tribute at alongtheroad.de
<< check out MF's marks: Seagull Guitars, D'Addario Strings, and Dayton Boots
