Breaking the Record with Roan Yellowthorn, Part 43: The Ball Is Rolling

Jackie McLean of the indie band Roan Yellowthorn grants us an inside look at the making of an album from start to finish in her ‘Breaking The Record’ column.

— —

:: stream “I’m Enough“ here ::

Watch: ‘I’m Enough’ – Roan Yellowthorn

Ok so when I started writing this column, way back almost a year ago, it was to document the making of our new album. And then things happened and the album got pushed back and this column became something much broader and deeper than it was when it began. The lapse in time allowed me to explore other things – related things not always directly associated with the process of creating the album. Things related, tangentially, in many cases. But maybe things that wouldn’t otherwise have been explored.

Just jumping into the Breaking The Record series documenting the making of our album from start to finish? Read part 1 here!

Anyway, that time is closing. Because we are starting to truly ramp up the process of getting the album ready for release.

This is exciting. It is also nerve wracking.

Having so much extra added lead time before the album’s release has allowed me to really think about what I want. It’s also kind of made the stakes feel even more intense. All of the waiting has made the prospect of the album, itself, feel very significant. Moreso, maybe, than it would have if we’d released it on the initial schedule. What I’m trying to say is that I’m kind of a ball of anxiety about every step of the process and I’m trying to let go a little bit and let things happen.

With our last album, we did everything ourselves pretty much up to the release, when we became signed and Blue Elan Records picked it up. We did the album art, the recording, the mixing, the list goes on. Was that easy? No. Was it incredibly stressful? Yes. Did I wish someone would just do it all for me? Absolutely.

This time around, we have a team. It’s something I am thankful for. I am having to remind myself that it’s ok not to do everything myself. It’s ok to have other people do things, too. Even though it’s making me nervous. But, as a wise person reminded me today, I’d be freaking out about the process whether I had control or not. And whether I was doing everything myself or not. True.

Last week, there were a few items that I was waiting on.

This week, a lot of those things have been addressed. Things are moving fast!

We have a PR plan. I now know lots of things about when things will come out and what the plan will be. I love a good plan. This feels great.

We also have an album cover! It’s done. Boom. Hard to believe. But it’s true.

We have a plan for a music video. The plan is in progress, and it’s happening. The director is directing from afar (LA) and Shawn and I will be filming the video as per his instructions. It’s an experimental process and I think it’s going to be really great.

A lot of the things that felt unresolved last week feel resolved this week. And I’m really happy about that. My motto is ‘roll with it.’ That’s what I’m trying to do. I’m trying to counteract the impulse to control everything very tightly. I’m trying to trust the process and chill. Wish me luck.

— —