For most musicians who are lucky enough to get signed by a major record label, they feel it is enough to sit back and enjoy some of the rewards of all their hard work. Not so for Val Emmich, who was signed by Epic Records in 2003. After two years with the label, an album and a tour, Emmich felt that he needed to go back out on his own.
After an amicable split, Emmich did just that, isolating himself to write some new songs, songs that felt authentic to his true self. The result is his new album, Sunlight Searchparty, which will be released this weekend at his show at Maxwell’s on Saturday, Oct. 21.
The road back
This latest album is Emmich’s fourth CD. His first album, The Fifteen Minute Relationship was released in 2002 and Slow Down Kid was released in 2003. After getting signed by Epic, Slow Down Kid was re-released in 2004 with a few additional tracks. According to Emmich, he left the label because he wanted to be true to himself and not just follow a format for what is successful.
“You can’t be honest in trying to follow a format,” said Emmich. “I felt ashamed that I had compromised myself somehow.” Emmich wants his music to be honest – with flaws and all. “I feel like there is a disconnect when I hear things that are too perfect,” said Emmich. “I want slight hints that there is a human being there.”
According to Emmich, records today are made with computers where everything can be fixed and made into a cleaner recording. Yet he is striving for the real thing, with all of the music being recorded at once. “It makes it more authentic,” said Emmich.
‘Sunlight Searchparty’
The songs on the fourth CD are a tribute and return to his roots, when Emmich wrote and played music for the joy of it. The album was recorded in July in Long Branch, New Jersey with his band and long-time friend/producer Jason Cupp.
According to Emmich, the album refers to the struggle to get through a difficult situation. Many of the songs are about his journey back like “Now is the Time,” and “New Year’s Resolution.” For the song “New Year’s Resolution,” Emmich actually threw a party so there would be real background sound for the recording. The party goers sing the last chorus with him.
This is the first track on the album and tells about the broken promises made on the holiday. The lyrics are incredibly funny and touchingly honest. It is hard to classify Emmich. Songs on this classic rock album are both fast and slow and tend to favor guitar driven tracks.
Yet his breathy, emotive voice adds rich layers to the music, which you’ll want to listen to again and again, if only for his confessional lyrics. Although his desire was to create an “imperfect album,” listening to the album it is hard to find fault with the very focused and rewarding result. Listening to this album is a discovery. “I wrote the songs on the album as a new beginning,” said Emmich. “So I could feel like I had integrity and control.”
“Cover-up” is a new song that Emmich is proud of. “I am most proud of the songs where I feel like the song surprises me,” said Emmich. “My favorite songs are the ones that make even me uncomfortable.”
Emmich has been playing since he was 15 years old. When he was 22 he decided to make his own records. “One of the reasons I went solo was because I knew I would always do this,” said Emmich, “bands break up all the time.”
His current line-up includes: Eric Micali on drums, Chris Lucas on Bass, and Wayne Dorell on keyboard and guitar. “I was lucky enough that [Micali] has always been there for me,” said Emmich. According to Emmich, although he is responsible for writing the songs, the band does have input.
What’s next
On Saturday, Emmich will introduce the audience to his new songs at Maxwell’s. This is one of his many gigs at the legendary rock club, which is one of his “favorite places to play.”
After the show, Emmich plans to focus on promoting the new album package, Sunlight Searchparty. In addition to the CD, there is a DVD included which documents the entire process from creative idea to completion, which Emmich thought was necessary to give fans more context.
“I wanted to make a tangible album somehow,” said Emmich, “not just something you can download.” When asked whether he thought his music has changed Emmich said, “I think I have more confidence in what excites me.”
He hopes that his fans will appreciate the new work. “I would hope that people will listen to the entire album,” said Emmich, “and not just a few tracks.” Fans can purchase the album at Tunes in Hoboken and through his website: www.ValEmmich.com. or myspace.com/valemmich.
Val Emmich will play at Maxwell’s in Hoboken on Saturday, Oct. 21 and at the Goldhawk on Nov. 30. Check out his website for updates.