In Conversation With #233 - Walker
Chigago bedroom and guitar pop virtuoso Walker has just released his new album ‘Phew’ - which sees him channel his inner D’Angelo and Paul McCartney.
Blending literal bedroom pop production and classic R&B, the songs catalog a lot of Walker’s experiences over the past few years, from finally finding his “home” in Chicago after growing up in LA and going to music school in NYC to sorting through the bitter feelings that follow a break-up.
He took a moment to talk to us about how the album came together.
Hey there Walker - how are you? So your album is out now - how does it feel to have it out there in the world?
It feels great. This album was a really important step to take in my life and career. It shows a more vulnerable side of who I am.
It is called ‘Phew’ - what is the meaning behind that?
I went through some very heavy sh*t before making this album on many different levels. This album is about getting away to somewhere safe and taking my first breath of fresh air.
Where was it recorded? Any behind the scenes stories from the creative process you are happy to share with us?
I recorded it at home in my apartment in Chicago, IL. My best friend and I have our little tape machine, drum set, microphones, all the essentials. I woke up every day for 6 months or so and just free associated music into the mic. This album was super loose, it was like a diary that just helped me collect my thoughts and feelings. My favorite story about the creative process is from when I was recording the climax of the album "I'm Going Back To California." I literally sat down in front of the computer and recorded 3 minutes of acoustic guitar with no plan. I continued to shape and mold that idea, and within 3 hours what emerged is the best song I have ever written.
What are the key themes and influences on the album?
The key theme would be loss and all of the feelings associated with it: frustration, disappointment, sadness and the eventual turn to love and hope for the future. My big influence with this record was Mac Demarco. I saw an interview with him where he said that his process was all about doing his best and letting his mistakes and limitations stay on the record, rather than trying to make everything perfect. At the time, that type of thinking gave me the freedom to express myself.
If the album could be the soundtrack to any film - which one would it be and why?
Rushmore. This is a coming of age album about being a kid who could've used a bit more love than was dealt out.
Do you have a favorite lyric on the album - if so, which one and why?
Definitely.
"I believe, when it's time, you'll find love at your side. You might feel things turn around. If you could just open up your heart, new love will come around." That's the chorus of "I'm Going Back to California" and it seemed to come from a place of wisdom and hope within me that I didn't always remember I had.
Now the album is out there - what next?
I have SO MUCH MUSIC waiting to release. This album is over a year old. And my equipment and chops have improved a lot since then. I think that for a while I'm just gonna put singles out and enjoy myself rather than trying to create another cohesive project. Right now I'm just loving my creative flow and don't want to overthink anything. So expect a lot more music!
