On March 18, the founding member of the Buffalo Killers and recent touring guitarist for the Black Keys, released the new pop-rock collection, “Cherry Sun.” It’s available exclusively at Bandcamp.com and proceeds from the digital download benefit the Foodbank in Dayton.
Gabbard, who plays all the instruments on “Cherry Sun,” recently answered some questions via email.
Q: How have you been able to tap into your creativity during this scary time?
A: My muse comes and goes. I've really fallen back in the love with playing the guitar as of late. And the more I play, the more I write. With everything that's going on, it's been a healthy distraction for me.
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Q: What made this the right time for a new album?
A: I don't believe it's a right time. I mean, I didn't even release it on a Friday. But why wait? These songs were just meant to be demos and maybe become something else, eventually. I poured myself into the performances of these recordings. There is a lot of feeling there. I think they turned out great but I just wanted to do something. It's not much but I'm only a guitar player, ya know? By buying the album you are donating to the Dayton Foodbank. Makes me feel a little better and maybe the music will make you feel a little better and we can get through this.
Q: Do you track stuff regularly at home and release an album when you have enough songs, or wait until you feel like doing a project and then focus on recording everything in a series of sessions?
A: It really comes and goes. My main focus has been the Black Keys and the Gabbard Brothers album, which Zach and I have been casually recording up until a couple weeks ago. I have another full-length solo album I recorded back in January at M. Ross Perkins' studio. "Cherry Sun" just kind of grew into its own monster. I was already kind of starting this as demo/song ideas when it became essential I stay at home. Luckily, my wife and kids are supportive of making noises and let me get these ideas out. It doesn't take long for me to record a song. Now, more than ever, I know it's all about the simplicity and performance. I wrote and recorded these songs in the last two weeks. I wrote and recorded "Quarantined In The USA" on March 17.
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Q: You chose the Foodbank as the recipient for this album. Why that charity?
A: They offer food to people who can't work right now and deliver to the elderly and people with compromised immune systems. They seem legit. I just want to help.
Q: Anything you’d like to add?
A: The future is a bit hazy at the moment. If we can all be compassionate and helpful to our neighbors. We can't all be with our parents, brothers, sisters, friends, etc. Everyone is stressed and worried. So much information and miscommunication and uncertainty going around. We are all in this together. That's a fact. Stay connected to each other however possible and keep an open mind. It's gonna be alright. And, Andy loves ya, baby.
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