In 2016 I (James Hardiment) decided that I wanted to make a pop album with the help from my good friend and audio engineer, Josh Hart, who is based in Ottawa. I had teamed up him the year prior on a song that I was unable to release, but the experience had been invaluable to me as a musician trying to make it in the business.
The first song we teamed up on was the title track of the album called “Wine”. The first 4 tracks were inspired by 1980s and 2010s pop and rock sounds. The final 4 tracks had more of a ‘90s rockabilly, bubblegum techno sound. Similar to Danish acts from that time such as “Cartoons” and “Aqua”. I blended ‘50s inspired guitar riffs with ‘80s synth riffs to create something new!
I chose 8 tracks for the album because I felt as though that way there would be no filler at all. One thing I have found purchasing CDs and cassettes back in the day, growing up in the 1990s and 2000s, was the amount of filler songs. There was only 1 or 2 decent tracks! Not every album of course, but I noticed that a lot. I also just really liked the number 8, maybe it’s my lucky number?
Making the songs in the studio was a fun process. I would build the instrumental during the first session, using Josh’s MIDI controller keyboard, hooked up to editing computer. We played around with different sounds and loops, sfx to create the desired sounds. The second session was the vocal recording. I had a lot of fun picking out different filters and remixing my voice with Josh.
I filmed 4 music videos for “Wine” and the title track was one of the most fun, and messy, to film! I had paint, powder, and glitter sprayed all over me. It was really hard to keep a straight face. The crew had a blast, turning my plain white shirt and the canvas behind me, into a multicoloured rainbow of abstract art. We had a few props too that would come in and out of frame, such as my micro Korg keyboard and a telephone.
I released the full album to the streaming services in 2017. The title track had over 44,000 views on YouTube!
I am so proud to have finished this project and looking back I am still so impressed with how it turned out. I love making music and I always will, it’s my creative outlet. I can escape the craziness of everyday life and have a great time!
Well until next time…
James
Pictured: The album cover, featuring me covered in paint from the “Wine” music video.
Pictured: James Hardiment being interviewed in Ottawa for a Carleton University news show.
Pictured: (Left) Josh Hart looking dope circa 2016. (Right) James Hardiment singing some vocals with a performance mic..