There is a fair amount of static about when we're going to deliver Ursa Major. Most of it, I suppose, is entirely deserved, since I keep setting these deadlines and then miss them. Here's why: It's very hard for me to write and be self-critical at the same time. I think that slows me down.
Also, I want to move into a totally new time, and that's also hard to do when people hold your previous work so dear (not that I'm not honored). I can really only write and perform in a kind of transcended, I really don't care about anything, state. That's what makes music demand to be heard. With all that hooey said, I have set a super hard deadline of March 27th to finish the album. Only six more songs to go. Here's a fun fact-- when we actually do record, we only do a couple of takes. That's why I think this album sounds a little wild and loose. So, ironically, it's taken kind of a long time to record very quickly.
We're planning on putting it out in June and we're going to play at least 12 of the 14 songs all together for the first time at SXSW Saturday night at midnight at Stubbs. If you can go, I really hope you will as I would much rather play this for my people.
Rumors on TVCY (single greatest 3eb site of all time) that there will not be an Ursa Minor, are not true. That album is almost all recorded too. It's really just kind of a double album. We're just releasing it at different times. I'm really enjoying fiddling around on thirdeyeblind.com. I hope you all are as well. Chrissy will let you know where members of Assembly can meet at SXSW.
Can't wait for Neko Case's album. That girl's got a great big ghost in her.
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Thanks for the TVCY shoutout. I hope you dont think we just wanna blast you, we really just want to hear your music, so thanks for some progress.
super stoked. i will fuckin run to the store as soon as it gets out!! :):):)
"Rumors on TVCY (single greatest 3eb site of all time) that there will not be an Ursa Minor, are not true." ah chrissy, good to see you pass on our conversations!! :) :) stephan, best blog ever man, i could hug you! come to new zealand, you'll love it here, and there is a perfect indoor arena that seats 12,000 for you guys to own :p
thanks for the update, Steph! :)
i hope so!
can not wait for this... thanks so much for the update!!!
yes!
would not be any where else on that day...
see you guys front row at SXSW--!
peace
Thank you for the update.
I am beyond thrilled for this album to be released. Thanks for thinking of us and giving us an update (and a palpable date). =]
Thank you! This is the kind of talk we all needed from the Video Q&A instead of all the hat & shoes talk.
We love hearing about real album progress. I can't wait to hear the inevitable boots form the SXSW show :P I've had to live on boots and radio performances since 3eb haven't been anywhere near New Zealand ;)
It'll be great to find out what's definitely going to be on Ursa Major. I just hope that everything else makes Minor, and we're not left with any gems just lying around unrecorded afterwards. I want to hear everything on a proper CD, from Alright Caroline to Away and everything in between.