Chosen by Monk
Ahoy ahoy: the glunk veteran offers up a vision of what his future plans may (or may not) be, as he proves he’s always #OneOfTheBoys on whom we can rely to produce and perform quality rock ‘n’f’n’ roll tunes, on this the first sample from his upcoming eighth – and possibly final – solo album.
Speaking about the single, which he himself describes as a “potential swan song”, CJ says:
It’s a song about an older musician looking back on his career and if you like this song you are going to like my album. Today I’m over 40 years into a long musical journey and I have no idea where I’m heading. Things are up in the air right now and if this is going to be my last solo album, then I want to welcome you all into my bar, friends and strangers alike, you are all welcome.
Talking about the associated album, which will see him unleash his inner ‘DEViL’ when it is released at the of June, he adds:
When I write for an album, I gather a collection of songs that chart aspects of my life, my world and how I feel about the bigger picture. In some sense, I’m letting you into my bar, a metaphor for my head. I’m processing stuff, letting the shit out, venting, showing love, taking a humorous look at the world or just exorcising the demon.
I can’t write about goblins and dragons, there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that, I’m quite partial to the odd goblin, but my songs must connect with me on a realistic level or something I believe in at least, so ultimately, I write about the shit that is around me, in me or has happened to me. I tell stories about things I can relate to and maybe you can relate to as well.
I’ll be honest, I really struggled with this one, not so much writing it, but trying to find the drive.
Each year it gets harder to survive as an independent artist, and I always put in 100 percent into everything I do and this time round I came so close to just stopping. I am so thankful I didn’t, as I poured my frustrations into this album and my passion, I believe shines through.
- ‘DEViL‘ will be released on 26 June.
- CJ Wildheart will play The Brickyard in Carlisle on Thursday 30 April and Bonfest in Kirriemuir on Friday 1 May.