Well, brothers and sisters I can honestly say that these are very exciting times. I have been living with the mixes from the new SMK&C (Slash Featuring Myles Kennedy and The Conspirators for the uninitiated) and I can say that this record goes beyond any expectations I could have had. There is so much I am biting my tongue about because these things are to be announced through formal channels-album title, song titles, artwork etc. Suffice it to say that it has grown to be a sprawling and diverse journey of an album. I’ve taken to calling it our Physical Graffiti due to its weight, size and diversity. In the coming weeks so many things will be revealed. I believe it is the boldest thing we could have done. All to be revealed soon enough.
I can say that we will be doing photos sooner than later as our scheduling is always dependent upon the availability of Mr Kennedy. While Myles is globetrotting with the fabulous Alter Bridge the rest of us are putting the final touches on the record and preparing ourselves for battle. Living with the record, sharpening our senses and honing our attack so that day one of rehearsal will be a mere formality. My intention is to be battle ready long before a stage is in sight.
The Let Rock Rule tour with Aerosmith has long since been announced taking us across the US and into Canada. We are filling in holes between Let Rock Rule dates taking us to Vancouver, Cleveland, Kansas City and more on our own without the mighty Aerosmith. Steven likes to take a day or two between shows. The Conspirators do not. So while the headliner rests we will be raiding and pillaging on our own before returning to the mothership. I’m chomping at the bit!
So here we are in the familiar holding pattern. The record is mixed. Next up is mastering. Simultaneously artwork is underway. Photos will be an important part of the puzzle then once everything has fallen into place a song will probably be released to the hot little ears of our brethren the world round to carry us through the summer and into September when the album will be released. I’m only speculating. Never hold me to anything I say here. This is my little domain and the tales woven here can be rife with fact or riddled with misleading fiction.
But then again maybe not.
On July 10th 2014 we will unleash Hell at Jones Beach, NY and we will continue till 2016 if I have anything to say about it. If Slash has anything to say about it we will never stop. He is an animal of the road and it all trickles down from there. We are all cut from the same cloth. Myles Kennedy lives ‘on the road’. If he’s not with us he’s with AB and back and forth and back and forth perpetually. No one knows how he does it. He is a machine.
As Myles sang in We Will Roam from Apocalyptic Love
“And stil we roam now forevermore,
Tread the night on steel and stone,
And still we roam never asking more,
Where we are will be our home”
There is heavy truth in those words.