On a prolific tear since his band Attack in Black suspended all activity last year, Daniel Romano is basking in the glow of his stunning new country record Sleep Beneath the Willow. Inspired by the likes of George Jones and Lee Hazlewood, Romano took on the orchestral production style of '70s-era classic country, employing female back-up singers, playing every instrument and producing the whole affair in his burgeoning home studio in Welland, ON. It's only the latest accomplishment from a busy period for the ultra-motivated Romano these days.
In fact, Romano recently revealed to Exclaim! his plans for his next solo release. "Actually, I've recorded one song already," he says of the as-yet-untitled new record. "It's gonna be a weird one. It's a story that's ten chapters long, about a fictional character. It's mostly talking over music with some songs as well. Some of it will rhyme, some of it probably won't. I've written five of the chapters and I have some songs that I've written that I wanna use in the story so I have to mould the story around the songs. I still have to work it out."
As such, the ever-evolving Romano isn't quite sure what the new music will sound like, but odds are good it will possess the rich, lush tone of Sleep Beneath the Willow. "I think so but it may have more of a Dixieland feel because it needs to be more interesting if I'm just rambling over it," he says.
Romano has also kept busy on the collaborations front. Having been a production assistant and player on City and Colour's 2008 record, Bring Me Your Love, Romano participated in the sessions for the upcoming Little Hell, out June 7 via Dine Alone, and will likely be a part of the touring band for the Dallas Green project. On the recent Juno Awards telecast, Romano also joined City and Colour for a rendition of "Old Man," while its author, Neil Young, looked on appreciatively.
However, don't expect a follow-up to Daniel, Fred and Julie, the gorgeous self-titled album he made with friends, Julie Doiron and Frederick Squire. Plans for another album from the trio have been quashed since a tumultuous European tour late last year that Squire abandoned mid-trek, after squabbling with ex-ladyfriend/collaborator Doiron.
Sleep Beneath the Willow is out now on You've Changed. Romano also has a handful of Ontario tour dates coming up this weekend. You can see the schedule below.
Tour dates:
4/8 Ottawa, ON - Raw Sugar Cafe
4/9 Kingston, ON - Mansion
4/10 Hamilton, ON - Casbah Lounge
In fact, Romano recently revealed to Exclaim! his plans for his next solo release. "Actually, I've recorded one song already," he says of the as-yet-untitled new record. "It's gonna be a weird one. It's a story that's ten chapters long, about a fictional character. It's mostly talking over music with some songs as well. Some of it will rhyme, some of it probably won't. I've written five of the chapters and I have some songs that I've written that I wanna use in the story so I have to mould the story around the songs. I still have to work it out."
As such, the ever-evolving Romano isn't quite sure what the new music will sound like, but odds are good it will possess the rich, lush tone of Sleep Beneath the Willow. "I think so but it may have more of a Dixieland feel because it needs to be more interesting if I'm just rambling over it," he says.
Romano has also kept busy on the collaborations front. Having been a production assistant and player on City and Colour's 2008 record, Bring Me Your Love, Romano participated in the sessions for the upcoming Little Hell, out June 7 via Dine Alone, and will likely be a part of the touring band for the Dallas Green project. On the recent Juno Awards telecast, Romano also joined City and Colour for a rendition of "Old Man," while its author, Neil Young, looked on appreciatively.
However, don't expect a follow-up to Daniel, Fred and Julie, the gorgeous self-titled album he made with friends, Julie Doiron and Frederick Squire. Plans for another album from the trio have been quashed since a tumultuous European tour late last year that Squire abandoned mid-trek, after squabbling with ex-ladyfriend/collaborator Doiron.
Sleep Beneath the Willow is out now on You've Changed. Romano also has a handful of Ontario tour dates coming up this weekend. You can see the schedule below.
Tour dates:
4/8 Ottawa, ON - Raw Sugar Cafe
4/9 Kingston, ON - Mansion
4/10 Hamilton, ON - Casbah Lounge