Extremely un-prolific New Jersey indie rock outfit the Wrens began talking about their new album plans way back in 2009, and now it finally seems to be almost ready. The band have announced that they have signed a record deal and that album is nearly complete.
A post called "Sign to Sing" on the band's website explains that they have inked a new deal. They are not yet able to reveal any of the specifics — such as what label they have signed with — but a formal announcement is on the way. This is apparently their first formal record contract in 20 years.
The post finishes with the promise, "This record is actually happening. And nearly done."
Go here to listen to a minute-long snippet of a scrapped song from the album. Back in June, singer-guitarist Charles Bissell wrote a rather glum message on Facebook to say, "don't get your hopes up, my best years & work are clearly behind me, which is more sad because I've pretty much burned every available moment of the last four years at least doing this. It's sorta shocking, really."
Read the much more upbeat message about the signing below:
So Friday morning....for the first time in I don't even know how long (years at this point!), we all four got together. The occasion? Well, I realize it's not big news in any sense except to us, but after 25 years as a band and for the first time in 20, we, as they say, have inked a deal. Pens were handed out presidentially. Morning beers were clinked together. The devil wrung his hands in delight & vanished in a smoke puff, laughing.
Honestly not being coy but promised not to reveal details, pending a more official announcement from both parties. But wanted to say at least something, partially 'cause we're all super happy about it.
And partially because pretending to do this for a job (or whatever this is), there are none of the usual office trappings or career mile-markers along the way. No promotions; no HR; no office holiday party or company phone; heck, no office or company; no paid vacation; well, no 'pay' really...actually the more I write, the more I'm clearly describing a hobby. Anyway, so partially for myself (I signed a binding legal document! On letterhead!).
And partially to have something even a little more concrete than my usual "work continues nightly" to show that...this record is actually happening. And nearly done.
A post called "Sign to Sing" on the band's website explains that they have inked a new deal. They are not yet able to reveal any of the specifics — such as what label they have signed with — but a formal announcement is on the way. This is apparently their first formal record contract in 20 years.
The post finishes with the promise, "This record is actually happening. And nearly done."
Go here to listen to a minute-long snippet of a scrapped song from the album. Back in June, singer-guitarist Charles Bissell wrote a rather glum message on Facebook to say, "don't get your hopes up, my best years & work are clearly behind me, which is more sad because I've pretty much burned every available moment of the last four years at least doing this. It's sorta shocking, really."
Read the much more upbeat message about the signing below:
So Friday morning....for the first time in I don't even know how long (years at this point!), we all four got together. The occasion? Well, I realize it's not big news in any sense except to us, but after 25 years as a band and for the first time in 20, we, as they say, have inked a deal. Pens were handed out presidentially. Morning beers were clinked together. The devil wrung his hands in delight & vanished in a smoke puff, laughing.
Honestly not being coy but promised not to reveal details, pending a more official announcement from both parties. But wanted to say at least something, partially 'cause we're all super happy about it.
And partially because pretending to do this for a job (or whatever this is), there are none of the usual office trappings or career mile-markers along the way. No promotions; no HR; no office holiday party or company phone; heck, no office or company; no paid vacation; well, no 'pay' really...actually the more I write, the more I'm clearly describing a hobby. Anyway, so partially for myself (I signed a binding legal document! On letterhead!).
And partially to have something even a little more concrete than my usual "work continues nightly" to show that...this record is actually happening. And nearly done.