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Ever the Optimist EP

by Steve Mahoney

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about

I'm really proud of this album and it brings back fun, happy memories for me as I was having a great time in New York and I first met Emily whilst making it.
I went travelling around the world in March 2009 & visited Hong Kong, Singapore, Australia & New Zealand. I had an OK time and was gigging but found it quite strange and isolating being on my own, I also wasn't meeting many like-minded people or musicians. This in hindsight was what this album was about.. some quite depressing subject matters which came out sounding really fun..
In July 2009 I went & stayed with a friend in Calgary, Alberta Canada. I didn't really know what to expect but wanted to hang out with someone I knew and had always liked Canadians. I got a job in a jeans store, and although an oil town, I found the part of Calgary I was living in to be a cool vibe and what I imagine southern California was like in the 70's.
I had a great time and was writing some new songs like 'Leaving Town (Mary)' & 'Mandy Fox Darling' whilst sleeping on an air mattress in my mates kitchen for the summer.
I didn't really fancy the Alberta winter, so after a quick spell in Vancouver and playing some cool folk festivals, I went back to New York.
I met Will Hensley on the open mic circuit, I think he liked that I was writing some raw & funny songs about girls & travelling.. he asked me to come and try some songs out as his home studio in Williamsburg Brooklyn.. At the time I felt I was only at one of those 'half an album' stages, and looking back that may still be true.. but he was an amazing guy to work with, we cut this album in 4 days, with him playing all the other instruments, and just me on vocals & guitar. 'When You Least Expect' itself was a song I'd tried recording at previous sessions but was holding back for a band arrangement.
I'd never made such full sounding recordings up til then and remember being really chuffed with them.. so much so that I rushed out an EP of the songs before Christmas!
I was working in & living above an Irish bar at the time.. something like 4 day shifts and 3 night shifts as a bar and doorman, so this album was recorded on the day off I had each week in November 2009 & January 2010.
I knew I wanted a sort of 'country girl' to sing on 'Ever the Optimist', and that's how I met Emily, I think this album was very influenced by bluegrass & Springsteens 'Seeger Sessions' record, and making it informed some fun gigs & a prolific writing spell.. x

credits

released January 4, 2010

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Steve Mahoney London, UK

Steve Mahoney is a talented musician and artist from London.
He has been an integral part of the London & New York City live music scenes for 15 years, performing with various bands including Mahoney & The Moment and The Milkshakes. Steve has released 8 albums, toured the world and run long standing live music events such as 'Chalk Farm Folk'. ... more

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