Anxiety and uncertainty are words that have been ringing loud of late. The musical response by some has been one of angst whilst others seek to bring a level of calm and clarity that rises above the storm of crisis and political turmoil.
For his latest work, Find the Ways, Peter Broderick has teamed up with musical partner David Allred to bring calm, clarity and hope. Together, armed with just their voices, violin and an upright bass, they have created something, which even by Broderick’s standards, is both raw and honest. This is ably demonstrated in their latest video for “The Ways” (our Song of the Day) in which they sing unaccompanied but strengthened by a cast of friends who hold up the fragmented lyric signs painted by Erased Tapes Peter Liversidge. You may well recognise some of them: Nils Frahm, Ólafur Arnalds, Adam Wiltzie and Dustin O’Halloran, Greg Haines, Rival Consoles, members of Efterklangand Balmorhea, Peter’s dad Steven and sister Heather Woods Broderick, Brigid Mae Power, producer Rick Rubin, actor Cillian Murphy, BBC’s Mary Anne Hobbs plus many others.
Whilst it sends a strong message of hope and unity it also has an underlying rally cry to use our voices.
They shared these words about the project recently:
“I sensed a truly unique character in David’s own music that is wonderfully heartfelt and sincere. With this recording David and I set out to make something raw which is an honest document of what we are capable of doing together at once, with just two acoustic instruments and our voices. The entire album was recorded live, with no overdubs and no edits. Just two guys playing together in a room. I have always dreamed of doing a project in which I only use my violin and my voice and David just plays upright bass and sings. It truly is a fifty-fifty collaboration.” – Peter Broderick
“It is such a pleasure to work with Peter. I feel that we’re on the same page in more ways than one, both musically and non-musically. The making of this album was an incredibly fun challenge; writing music to be performed and recorded live with only violin, upright bass, and voices. It still amazes me that we managed to make a whole record with only those three elements. Over the years, I have felt a very strong connection to Peter’s music and friendship, and I feel that this collaboration comes from a really good place. I hope this music gives the listeners a feeling of comfort, confusion and understanding.” – David Allred
Find the Ways is released 7 April via Erased Tape Records
Pre-order the album here: http://phonofile.link/find-the-ways