Shakey Graves Readies New Record ‘Fondness, Etc.’

Texas-born singer-songwriter Shakey Graves is back with a brand new record at the ready. Set for release on May 15 via Secret Identity/Dualtone Records, Fondness, Etc. comprises nine new tracks, thematically centered on the growing pains and unexpected beauty that bloom from the complicated process of aging.

Fondness, Etc. was entirely self-produced and recorded to tape inside Graves’ home studio, where he also tracked his own guitars, synth, and drums to carefully build the album’s intimate, lo-fi soundscape.

“The endless options of digital recording can be deadly for my creativity,” Graves shares in a statement. “The urge to add, tinker, and perfect is nearly impossible for me to resist, and I easily get lost in the sauce. Catching the foundation of a song on tape means that you have to commit to a sound and accept what might initially be seen as mistakes. Often, these little strange moments, like a bird screaming in the background or a train passing by my house, will sneak into the track and become imperceptible textures themselves. It adds to the feeling of almost unearthing a recording, and things that would usually be left on the cutting room floor in a more controlled environment become a little snapshot of time.

“This process of recording this album reminded me that there is truly no right or wrong way to go about making music,” he adds. “You just have to find something that speaks to you, and you chase it as far as it goes, work with what you have. I only had a little time, so I made a little album, but lo and behold, it ended up being a huge lesson for me. I’ll always remember this strange time in my life, and now, since I trapped it in tape, you’ll be able to hear that memory yourself.”

Along with sharing details of his latest project, Shakey Graves has also delivered the record’s lead single, “Time Flies.” The rich, dreamy soundscape offers a reinterpretation of the song originally released by Frankie Sunswept, propelled by mesmerizing guitar riffs from Zeke Jarmon and stunning strings arranged by David J. Pierce.

“I had a vision of making this album feel like a sort of zero-budget Roy Orbison ‘50s pop record, and with such a small window to write, record, and release an entire album, I figured I should do what the pros would do and sneak in a cover song written by an old friend,” he explains. “I first heard [Frankie Sunswept] play ‘Time Flies’ in like 2007 at the Sidewalk Cafe in Alphabet City and have been singing the tune to myself nonstop since. I knew it was going to be a perfect fit for this project and finally made a version of it the way it would play on the radio in my head.”

Earlier this week, Shakey Graves confirmed his Fondness, Etc. Tour, which will make its way across the U.S. through late summer. Tickets for all live dates listed below are on sale now. You can find more information about the tour and explore ticketing options by visiting Shakey Graves’ official website.

Listen to “Time Flies” below: