New CD Project: Interview with Britton Roberts

We’re currently working on a two new CD projects for 2014. One due out later this year will follow in the footsteps of our best-selling  CD, Come to the Waters. (for all of you who have been clamoring for that!) But we are currently at work on an interesting project that will be released later this spring, exploring new sounds built around a theme of loss and suffering. We recently asked the main mover on this project, executive producer/sing-songwriter Britton Roberts, for a few of his thoughts on this work in progress.

Let’s start with a bit of personal information. You’ve performed on all of our AP releases and have released a couple of solo albums of your own. You co-produced our Ancient Path Christmas CD and now are leading this project. How did you get started as a producer and engineer?

Learning the art of the studio came more by proxy than by intention. I started participating in the studio as a musician, and over time I picked up some basic knowledge of how the process works. After assisting professional engineers on other projects, I felt ready to give it a try on my own. I tend to think of the process in three parts: the creative, the technical, and the organizational. The best engineers I’ve been around have their eyes and ears on all three.

Who are your musical influences?

My own musical influences tend to be eclectic themselves: Paul Simon, Peter Gabriel, Sufjan Stevens… But also a number of country or folk singers: Dylan of course, Johnny Cash of course, Emmy Lou Harris, Alison Krauss… I see both music and lyrics as storytelling, revealing itself as it goes. When both components are complimenting that discovery, then you have something.

What is the theme or concept for this current project?

The entire arc of the project has an element of storytelling as well. Though it is not completely linear, there is a movement from desolation to consolation – hurt to wholeness. It’s an invitation to find peace without neglecting what it is we need peace from in the first place. Life is traumatic and we need to allow God to lead us through the pain to find new life on the other side.

Have you settled on a title yet?

Our working title has been Celtic Winter, but as the project has evolved so have our thoughts on that. We’re still mulling over the name.

How is this project different than past Ancient Path projects and how is it similar?

The project still maintains that global sound and diverse instrumentation. But the major difference is it’s use of electric sounds and synthesizers. There is a harshness to electronica that offsets the warmth of acoustic instruments that creates a necessary tension for the concept to be heard and felt.

Interesting – so how would you describe the genre?

That’s a very good question! World, Pop, Electronica, Singer/Songwriter. You’ll hear a lot of celtic influence….

Describe your creative process …

It depends on the limitations. If I’m writing a song for a country artist for example, I’m going to work within the strict confines of that genre. Both instrumentation and song structure are somewhat predetermined, but I think having those controls can be helpful. In this case I didn’t feel the genre was strictly defined, but the concept was more the guideline. So I went with what musically felt right – whatever sound was hitting a nerve, so to speak.

One of the dangers of the creative process to me, is trying to shoehorn everything into a predetermined style or sound. Asking the questions, “is this any good?” or “what will people think when they hear this?” are shortcuts to creating mundane uninspired art. I think as artist we need to trust ourselves and the source of our work. An audience can tell when the artist is taking risks, and that can evoke a more exciting listening experience.

Then we’ll look forward to some inspired art on this album! When do you expect it to be available for sale? 

It’s 80% complete now but we’re planning a mid-April release along with an Ancient Path event on April 12th. So save that date…more info coming soon.

Britton’s excellent solo projects, Lifted by the Sun and Protest Songs are available  on iTunes. If you’re a fan of his acoustic guitar work and are looking for a great instrumental CD, check out Rivers of Living Water – also available on iTunes.