It was quite special for me to wake up at the studio HQ this morning, at 4am. I was fairly lost, to be honest, wondering where was Tangier’s dazzling blue sky that usually woke me up around 6 am every morning through the sounds of seagulls accompanying the fishermen setting their early catches at the market. It’s quite a distinctive world to reside on the seafront of such a vibrant and active city, there’s a unique energy floating around that defines the day way before everyone’s arose into the lights. As for the HQ, beyond the obvious jet lag I ‘ll have to deal with for a few days, mornings are pretty uneventful, to say the least.
While I miss Tangier already, I won’t complain about Leonard’s intense all-nighter cuddling and won’t even be bothered by Lou (who got so big in my absence) taking most of the bed’s space… I miss them more than anything whenever I’m away, so to be with them makes me feel at home in a truly special way. There’s a magnificent blessing for me to receive that kind of pure loving affection… I used to feel guilty about leaving before, especially when MacKaye was fighting his cancer. I’ve learned to cherish every moment I spend with them. I guess that, if it wasn’t for Leonard and Lou, I would live an even broader type of transient lifestyle, even though I’ve been living pretty close to that kind of “without fixed domicile” status already, a sensation exacerbated by the demolished state of my Virginian house… Oh well, that’s another tale of a story altogether.
That being said, my perpetual “on the roaming road” reality is about to change drastically, as the next two stretches of the already announced concerts I have coming up will be the last ones that I’ll have in quite some time, since I want to take a break away from the beautiful touring frenzy I always love to be a part of.
It represents a significant transitory phase for me, one I don’t want you to worry about, as the inherent reason that essentially led me to undertake that decision doesn’t have anything to do with my health, as I’ve been doing fairly ok recently, nor does it have anything to do with any other unfortunate circumstances. I’m doing good, and I haven’t been in such a positive environment in what feels like forever… It's truly a rejuvenating season for me, on every possible level.
Therefore, my resolution to stay away from the road is solely based on my desire to mainly focus on the inspiring spirit that is presently crafting my next records… It’s been burgeoning within me for a while now. And in order for me to let it all out, I have to entirely dwell my heart and soul into that profound creative mode I am currently obsessed with…
I know how unbearable it will be for me to be deprived of any of our communal gatherings that I am blessed to experience with you, but it’s a necessary pain for me to dive deeper and deeper into the emotional oblivion I want to lose myself in… When will I reemerge? I truly can’t say at this point, if only that I won’t come back empty-handed. There are too many sounds and too many words yearning to be set free… and it’s incredibly fabulous.
Here are the questions for the fifth edition of the Q&A, entirely dedicated to the upcoming tour The High Blooming Ritual.
1. The Impact of My Tangier Renaissance on the Tour
Marion, France
It seems like you’ve been going through a renaissance in Tangier. How will this impact your next tour?
👉 Starting at 01:14
2. Tour as Transition
Edward, Glasgow
You mentioned in one of your latest Substack publications that you’re seeing your next tour as a transition. Can you explain?
👉 Starting at 05:00
3. Favorite Songs to Play Live
Julie, Québec
What are your favorite songs to play live? Are there songs you don’t like to play?
👉 Starting at 08:24
4. Pressure to Keep Up with Reputation
Marc, USA
You’re receiving raving reviews everywhere you play live. Do you feel any pressure to keep up with that reputation?
👉 Starting at 14:10
5. What You Can Expect Live
Stefan, Berlin
What can we expect from your next stretch of shows? Will you play songs you’ve never played live before?
👉 Starting at 16:29
6. Being on the Road vs. My Health
Steven, UK
First, I’m very happy to know you are feeling better. Is it stressful for you to go back on the road with your fragile health status?
👉 Starting at 19:59
7. Band Lineup and Live Dynamics
Brigit, Germany
You’ve been addressing your band lineup recently. How do you think those changes will impact your live dynamics?
👉 Starting at 22:48
8. About a “Proper” Tour
Estelle, France
Since you are not touring extensively like you are used to, can I ask you when you’ll do a proper tour next time?
👉 Starting at 26:40
9. Next Release
Brian, USA
You’ve been teasing some dope songs, but when can we expect your new music to be released?
👉 Starting at 30:12
10. Will Teasers Be Played Live?
Many people, everywhere
Will you play some of the songs we’ve heard as your recent teasers?
👉 Starting at 32:39
Life creates life.
Your brother and friend,
Alex
PS: If you were musing about the idea of joining me on the road for a communal gathering, I can say that the next upcoming concerts will be a celebration of life… until an unknown next time.
