IAN MUSIC

MSJ:
It’s been a couple years since we chatted. What’s been going on in the world of Ian Narcisi?

Hello Gary! I've been working on a concept album. This one's a beast! It is a combination of songs that I never professionally recorded in the past, as well as recent material spanning from 2008 to the present day. So far, I am up to 16 songs. My goal for this double album is 21 songs. I am still in the fetal stages despite the fact that it has been two years since I started working on it. The theme for the entire thing relates 100% to a character by the name of “Blue” who, through endless trials, tribulations and mystical mentors, finds out who he truly is. My last two journeys to India in December 2009 and March of 2013 were the primary catalysts behind my future concept album. The Vedic truths that India is based upon have profoundly influenced me over the years and I hope to spread these truths further.

 

MSJ:
What's ahead for you?

I am planning on completing the five remaining songs for the concept album at home (vocals, keys, drums and lyrics). All the songs so far are just the rough drafts (completed songs) on my laptop. At the same time I'm writing the music, Tim Sandusky (sound engineer and co-producer for all of my songs) has moved his studio (Studio Ballistico) to a new location in Chicago. He is building it from the ground up. He has some help now and again, but for the most part - he is building it. Back in June I went to see his progress. He definitely was well into the construction phase at that time. I will pay him a visit in the next month or two. At this time I predict a March, or April start date for professionally recording a few of the songs from the upcoming concept album. It looks as though the entire album won't be completed in 2014, but that can change in a heartbeat. I would like to have an online web comic as well for this album. It really depends on how I do financially. I'm planning on combining some of my personal funds with a future IndieGoGo campaign to make all of this happen.

 

MSJ:
What was the last CD you bought and/or what have you been listening to lately?

I recently downloaded (purchased) Bon Iver's Bon Iver 2011 release a month or so ago. Prior to the purchase, my wife had one of his songs ("Perth") in her exercise lineup. I overheard it while looking for something exciting on Facebook (never found any trace of excitement by the way). I just felt pulled to his song - you know - that pull that is sparked by a feeling of connection. Bon's album was soon downloaded and is now resting on a given platter on one of my many hard drives. I've also been listening to a lot of Lang Lang's piano recordings lately. He is truly amazing for his age! I love how he plays Liszt and Chopin. Such amazing passion and precision! I saw him at Ravinia a year or so ago. I had no idea who he was, or how he played. I was floored that day. I am a big fan of Chris Thile, as well - amazing mandolin player, singer and songwriter! The Punch Brothers randomly pop up from the depths of my iTunes line up and, from there, I am always compelled to listen to one of their albums. Over the summer I saw Chris Thile perform in The Goat Rodeo Sessions with cellist Yo-Yo Ma, bassist Edgar Meyer and fiddle player Stuart Duncan. Amazed that he could play violin well on top of all else he can do!

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MSJ: Have you read any good books lately?

Every once in a while I grab Yogananda's The Yoga of the Bhagavad Gita and read an excerpt or two. Nothing I'm burying my head into lately.

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MSJ: What about the last concert you attended for your enjoyment?

Living Colour at Space in Evanston back in November. Those guys haven't lost a beat! They played the entire Vivid album front to back as well as many tunes from Time's Up. Seeing them in such a cozy room was really nice! It's always a bummer to see all the endlessly distracting cell phones video recording what most likely will never be watched, but outside of banning them I don't see how that will change. I'm looking forward to seeing Living Colour again in the months/years ahead!

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MSJ: Are there any closing thoughts you would like to get out there?

Not really. Just happy to be doing an interview with you and writing more music! Thank you Gary! Once again you have helped motivate me to keep trudging ahead with my music. Always appreciated!