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It has been over six years since local songstress Mary Simon released her previous album, so her CD release party this week at This Ain’t Hollywood is surely cause for celebration. Not to be mistaken with the Nunavut political leader she shares her name with, Simon is yet another clever, roots–influenced songwriter to emerge from Hamilton in the past decade. But now, as Simon approaches album number five, a new outlook is taking hold, one that takes its influence from the title of this new collection, No More Maybes. Instead of approaching her craft with a softer, more pop–driven approach, Simon has plugged in, turned on and produced an album more in the vein of Uncle Tupelo and Lucinda Williams than Natalie Merchant or Ingrid Michaelson. But this change did not happen overnight, as it took Simon three full years and four studios to complete the record, one that the songwriter admits was half due to funds and half to creative movement. “This album was recorded over a three year period working with various people in various studios,” explains Simon. “My intention was not to work with so many different people, but in my effort to find the right sound it required that. Each person involved brought huge value to the project, regardless if their contribution made the final take. In the end, I recorded in four different studios including Catherine North and Grant Avenue and I came out with a very cohesive and gritty roots rock sound.” While nothing in particular drives the album, this is the loudest and most fierce Simon has ever sounded. “I wouldn’t say there are any particular themes in total on the record, however there is a much edgier sound and a new attitude that sets this album apart from my previous recordings,” continues the songwriter. “This definitely came from being bored with playing live shows that did not have enough energy behind them and realizing that I needed to focus on writing more upbeat songs. And yet there is still a dark element that I find beautiful.”
But most of all, this album comes as a relief for Simon, something she plans on celebrating in its highest regard this week on stage. It usually does not take a songwriter six years in between albums, but with Simon that time was required to be able to produce a collection as succinct as No More Maybes. And now, as a result, there is no excuse. “There were many reasons why it took so long,” continues Simon. “There was definitely a combination of them, including money, personal challenges and second guessing what I wanted the end product to sound like. Plus, I’m not a very disciplined songwriter. I write when I feel inspired and when I have a good first line including melody and lyrics, I keep going. So I have to say that I’m relieved the album is finished and more sure of my sound then I ever have been. That is why I titled the album as such. The title of the album. That phrase does a good job of summing up the attitude I took with making it.”
As usual, Simon has elected to release the album independently, eschewing the typical label aesthetic for a more down to earth and hands on approach. This was what she did whilst recording, and this is what she is doing for the release. “As an independent musician funding the project in every manner myself, the album took much longer to record then I anticipated. I’m sure many independent musicians can relate to not being able to execute a recording project in a timely manner using all the resources they desire due to lack of funds. But it’s done, and the independent nature has prevailed.”
Simon will be hitting James Street North for a date at This Ain’t Hollywood this week. The new CD is available through marysimon.com.
MARY SIMON
(CD Release Party)
Thursday April 15 @ This Ain’t Hollywood.
345 James St. N. Hamilton.
marysimon.com
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