New Bern, North Carolina’s Jeremy Squires returned this summer with a new album, Many Moons. It is a record that sees the prolific songwriter experiment in new directions, building on his trademark haunting and emotive folk songs with the help of an analogue keyboard. The result sees Squire’s usual dark palette expanded into dreamy territory, and even allows for a glimmer of light amidst the tales of hardship and pain.
Jeremy was kind enough to answer some questions on the record, so read on for a more in-depth discussion on its creation, themes and the role of art in these unusual times.
Your new album, Many Moons, has been out a couple of months now. How has the experience been? Is it strange releasing an album in such a tumultuous time?
It has been different but it has also been cool to see artists / fans from everywhere come together and support each other. Even though there has been so much going on… music is something that will always be here and can help. I think music is really important now probably more than ever. Not being able to tour or play shows has made life more difficult but I love the fact that I can release a lot of music during this time and more people will hear it and connect.
What is Many Moons about? Are there themes that run through the album?
With Many Moons I experimented with different tunings and synth sounds, which resulted in the overall different feel of the album. Even though it is in some ways a departure it still has a familiar sound that I always hope to capture.
I feel like Many Moons covers a lot of relatable topics such as grief, loss, stress, mental illness and change, among other themes. I think it’s an important album and even though it was written and recorded before the pandemic and this very important fight for racial equality and civil rights, I hope it speaks volumes to people and conveys a hopeful narrative.
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There’s a noticeable difference in sound compared to previous albums, particularly with the use of synths and electronics on tracks like ‘Hazy’. What inspired you to take that route?
Well, to be completely honest I felt bored and I was feeling burnt out. I wanted to expand beyond the “folk/Americana/singer-songwriter” borders. I wanted to write something special, emotional and dreamy. Many Moons is what came out of that. I don’t ever write with a concept in mind. Sometimes it comes out (lyrically) in pieces and I have to figure out what and where certain things are coming from. It’s like therapy or a puzzle… I like the listener to create their own narratives and take what they will from what I have written. I use a lot of metaphor in my lyrics but yet I still try to express a reality to the listener. I write purposely in a way that the listener can get their own deeper meaning from the songs and still relate.
Loss and grief seem to be recurring themes in a lot of your music, and I’m interested in how making music has helped you cope. Is making music something that has helped you overcome the difficult moments in your life?
It is definitely cathartic for me as a songwriter once the song is finished and I can release it and / or play it for people. It is therapy for me.
I love to see and hear the listers reactions and interpretations of my songs. Writing and making music have helped me overcome so much in my life. I am very grateful.
As a follow-on from the last question, what would you say to anyone reading this who is going through similar issues?
Just keep moving.
But despite the heavy subject matter, to me Many Moons is one of your brighter albums. Is that something you agree with? Was that a conscious effort, or just how the songs came out?
I 100% agree with you there. Honestly it was a little bit of both. I never dive into any project with a concept in mind. I like the music to take shape organically. This album is very special to me and I knew I wanted it to have a positive/more brighter feel.
Finally, this has been a difficult year for almost everyone, with the pandemic and elections and such. What role do you believe art/music plays in these strange and uncertain times?
I believe that art/music will continue to bring us together and help us cope in different ways. It helps us to get out of our heads and open up and connect with each other and bring visions and dreams to life.
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Many Moons is out now and you can get it from the Jeremy Squires Bandcamp page.
