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Studio CarryOnHarry : Mike Gale, the celebrated British folk-pop artist, is back with his latest offering, ‘Old Man In The Universe,’ part of his enchanting new album ‘Thanks for Always Waving.’ Featuring 11 captivating tracks, this album is a masterful collection of world- and folk-inspired indie pop, skillfully mastered by Todd Tobias (known for his work with Guided By Voices and Circus Devils).
Known for his feel-good brand of folk-inspired indie pop, Mike Gale’s ‘Thanks for Always Waving’ marks his 20th album in as many years and his twelfth album released under his own name, having initially performed under the monikers Co-Pilgrim and Black Nielson.
Explaining the inspiration behind ‘Old Man In The Universe,’ Gale shares, “Old Man In The Universe’ was one of those very rare songs that came out fully formed when I was writing it, lyrics and all. It’s about reaching a certain point in life and realizing that many of the dreams you had when you were younger may not come true. Still, it encourages us not to lose heart and to recognize the good things that have happened.”
Remaining true to his DIY roots, Gale produced, recorded, and mixed the album at his home studio. He previously introduced the singles ‘Grumble Pie’ and ‘Summer Be Gone,’ accompanied by a soothing video featuring the artist Kimvi, filmed in Suzhou, China by Matt Wallwork.
“‘Thanks for Always Waving’ is my 20th album. I wanted to go back to basics a bit with this one – simple pop songs with a stripped-down, gentle feel. I was very inspired by one of my favorite bands’ (Tall Dwarfs) use of homemade percussion for rhythm, and the idea that you don’t need a traditional drum sound to make a song groove. Lyrically, the album is mostly about trying to keep a positive outlook and being generally grateful for what you have despite the world seeming like a terrible place most of the time,” explains Mike Gale.
He further elaborates on the album’s title, saying, “The title of the album comes from my love of a YouTube channel called ‘Solo Travel Japan,’ which is basically a guy taking overnight ferry trips to the many Japanese islands. One of the things he says as he leaves port is ‘Thanks for Always Waving,’ and it stuck.”
A multi-instrumentalist and a singer since childhood, Mike Gale’s journey into guitar playing and music composition began around the age of 20, initially influenced by The Lemonheads. Born in Southampton, Gale’s upbringing spanned various locations, including North Devon, Oxford, New York, and Melbourne, before returning to his beloved south coast of England.
Drawing melodic and percussive inspiration from artists like Tall Dwarfs, Pavement, and The Clean, ‘Thanks for Always Waving’ is one of Gale’s most pop-oriented albums to date, featuring mellow bongo beats and soothing waves of organs.
The ‘Thanks For Always Waving’ album is now available on various digital platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music, and Bandcamp.
Album Credits:
- Written and performed by Mike Gale
- Produced, recorded, and mixed by Mike Gale
- Mastered by Todd Tobias (Guided By Voices, Circus Devils)
- Album cover photo by Romeo
- Album design by Andy Reaney
- Video for ‘Old Man In the Universe’ by Kerrylyn Genetive
- Video for ‘Summer Be Gone’ by Matt Wallwork, featuring KIMVI
- Publicity by Shameless Promotion PR
Tracklist:
- Yipee
- Old Man in the Universe
- Summer Be Gone
- I Enjoy my Existence
- Grumble Pie
- Bees Knees
- I Know Her
- Set it on Fire
- They’re Closing the Marina
- Michael 6
- When Here Comes the MorningSpotify https://open.spotify.com/album/5XLP83pJpVqy5u6dHJJuc8
