In February 2023, we, The Late Night Stumblers, released our debut album titled “Tall Tales, Legends, and Absolute Lies“. At the time, I was juggling the roles of a musician and a record label, which meant some things like liner notes got overlooked. Now, I’d like to share some insights into the album’s creation and acknowledge those who played pivotal roles.
Origins and Songwriting
Before The Stumblers was formed, I had penned songs like “Goodbye, Virginia”, “Shelia Jones”, “Chase Away The Night”, and “American Dream” during and just after my college years in 2016. These tracks, some of my earliest songwriting efforts, initially made me hesitant; I worried whether they would resonate with listeners. However, they ultimately made the cut, marking the starting point of our musical journey. The rest of the album came together after the band formed, with tracks quickly evolving from our live performances.
Recording Experiences
None of us had previous experience producing a “real” album, so it was a steep learning curve involving lots of YouTube tutorials on indie music releases. We recorded at Blackwater Studios in Wirtz, Virginia, in the fall of 2022. Under the expert guidance of our sound engineer, Dave McDonald, we navigated the intricate recording and mixing processes. Despite the tight schedule—completing the album in just two days due to budget constraints—it was an enriching experience.
The Album Cover
Choosing an album cover was another challenge, solved serendipitously when I discovered an astrophotography shot by Brennan Gilmore near my home at Goshen Pass. His generosity in allowing us to use his work perfectly encapsulated the essence of our album.
Release and Reflections
We launched the single “It’s Coming Down” in January 2023, followed by the full album the next month. Although it wasn’t a commercial hit, the experience of sharing our music globally has been incredibly rewarding. Over time, it’s been fascinating to see which songs resonate with our audience.
As we continue to evolve, so does our music. Many of the album’s tracks are now performed with variations that reflect our growth. Looking back, there are things we might have done differently, but ultimately, “Tall Tales, Legends, and Absolute Lies” is a snapshot of our early days—a foundational experience we deeply value.
Gratitude
We owe immense thanks to everyone involved in the project, especially David and Amanda Baxter for their hospitality and patience during our recording sessions. Our journey wouldn’t have been possible without the support from our fans, whether through streaming or purchasing CDs.
Thank you all,
Bryce Teague
Album Credits:
- Sound Engineer and Mixing/Mastering: Dave McDonald
- Cover Photo: Brennan Gilmore
- Graphic Design: Greg Staton
- Drums: Callum Baxter
- Lead Guitar, Mandolin, Banjo, Backing Vocals: Travis Odell
- Bass, Backing Vocals: Taylor Mason
- Lead Vocals, Rhythm Guitar, Lyrics: Bryce Teague
- Production: The Late Night Stumblers
Check out more here http://thelatenightstumblers.com!
No responses yet