As this is written, the album is not yet finished. No cover art has been chosen. We arent through making and mastering the songs. It is safe to say however that this will prove to be a different kind of album for us. The numbers already show it; our other albums took three to six months to finish. This one took over 14. Lyrics are usually written in about a month, this time we spent over six; we usually write an adverage of 40 song ideas to finish an album, this one generated over 100. Numbers aside, this album is different for us on a deeper level.
When we first met with our producer Rick Rubin, he asked us what we wanted this album to sound like. Going around the room, each one of us answered the question in (a similar) way; we wanted to create something that maintained the (integrity) of the band's personality, but pushed our boundaries. Rick challenged us that no boundaries should exist whatsoever to our (creative) persuit.
In the months that followed, we struggled to find that truth. We got frustrated when the ideas wouldn't come, sometimes (changing inspiration) through 50 or 60 versions of a song just to end up at something that sounded like the first idea we came up with. We surprised ourselves when a song came together quickly and easily. We (celebrated) when each of us stepped outside our comfort zone and performed or wrote in a way that we never had before.
As the *project came* to a close, at the end of over a year of dedication, experimentation, and soul-searching, we believe that we've achieved that which we were challenged to realize. This album defines not only what we set out to create, but who we've become as a band.
In conversations with many musicians and record makers, we often ask "What do you think makes a successful album?" The answers* range from "meticulous, (tireless/timeless) writing" to "dumb luck." In making Minutes to Midnight, we have learned alot about our answer; enjoy the process. We hope you enjoy the songs.
