Last few hours in beautiful Maui. I wish I didn't have to go back. The thought of finishing this album is filling me with dread. I haven't done what I'd hoped to do while I was here. I do have another 12 hours before my flight though so maybe I still might plus the 20 hour flight back home!
This last song, "Between Sheets" is going to be the missing piece. I've got the essence of the song, musical direction and feel, melody and about half the lyrics. I really felt the album needed this one calm space. A little breather about half way through. It'll be nice to have something fresh on there for me as I've been living with some of these songs for 2 years. I think in hindsight, Maui was not the best place to come for 6 days. I've neither finished the song nor really gone out and explored either but spent the time being frustrated about not doing both very well. Another week would probably do it but I really really have to get this darned album finished or I am going to implode. Then, perhaps once it's done, artwork done, single artwork and b-side done, video for canvas and the first single done, the 18 minute live set for the TED Global conference in July...then.... and only then... can I go on a little much needed holiday!!!
So... at 8am Hawaii time today I'm going to play this (now slightly out of tune from the heat) piano for the last time here
http://www.ustream.tv/imogenheap. In those minutes... I'm going to get my head free of all this worry about what I need to do. There's nothing like noodling about on the ivories for clearing the head. It's worked for me for years. It's as close as I get to meditation. So, please join me if you read this in time and send me some strength and good luck through the internet while I'm playing. I need all the help I can get! I'm going to be doing everything I can to make sure that when I land in London I'm positive, with this song ready to record and just go for it for the 20 days I have left to finish.
As usual... it is just my self imposed deadline. This time It's official though. The album is coming out 3rd week of August. It's going out in my press release this week. It's time to let this baby go!
Lots of love to you all. Thank you all so much for all your encouragement. I can't tell you how much it's kept me going.
Heap xxxxxxx