Josh Thayer has just completed a number of creative firsts. His new album, “It Will Still Keep Feeling Rough” is the first time he’s written and sung songs. Ever. The first time he’s played guitar extensively on a recording, first time arranging strings, first time he’s released music alone with himself at the front of any musical outlet! Yet, he’s no beginner! He’s been a performing musician for 35 years, primarily as a bass player for bands like Hadley Transfer Station, Slumberland, Love Minus Zero and Fancy Trash!

Josh experienced all this because he made a decision to make a truly solo album; playing a number of diverse instruments; three types of basses, six styles of guitars, mandolin, ukelele, banjo, keyboards and synthesizers. He even played a Glockenspiel and programmed all the drum parts too. All recorded at his Massachusetts home studio, Brave Tiger Studios.

Our segment delves into his process and his songwriting ideas. We also get an insight into some of what influenced these efforts; his turning 50 and the death of his father whom the album is dedicated to.

We hear a trio of diverse songs from the new release beginning with “Anything But What You Want’ followed by “Peaceful Passing” and finished with the song that finishes the disc, “Mantra #2”.

The conversation is thoughtful and sometimes emotional. It’s an insightful look at an artist discovering himself channeling difficulty and turmoil into creativity. Give the segment a listen.