I think looking back on it, misty mornings, the flooding river, and the unseen gnomes all tie into this feeling of being in between, not quite here nor there. They were symbols of the emotional journey I was going through at the time, navigating heartbreak, burnout, and depression. They were elements that helped me make sense of the liminal space I found myself in, even if they remained mysterious and inexplicable. It was a strange contrast, but I think it helped me to appreciate both the importance of the music we were creating and the importance of being present in real life moments. It made me realize that even though the studio and the music were consuming my thoughts and energy, there are other things in life that are just as significant and meaningful. It was a reminder to not get too caught up in one aspect of life and to remember to balance it with everything else that is important. It was a valuable lesson in perspective and priorities. I think for me, it’s more about expressing what’s inside and being true to that. But I do think that sense of comfort or resolution you’re talking about is important. Even in the chaos and intensity, there’s always a sense of coming back to something familiar, something grounding. And I think that’s reflected in the communal experiences we had while making the album – the shared meals, the moments of downtime watching The Simpsons, the sense of togetherness. It’s all part of creating a space where we can be fully immersed in the process of creating something together. And I think that sense of connection and shared experience definitely comes through in the music. I’m really glad to hear that there’s a comforting element in the songs for you, I definitely get that. A lot of the album is working out some really hard knots and teasing out these really confusing, painful experiences, and at the end of it, what I have is just a lot of memories of spending time with my best friends, making music that I’m really proud of that I get to keep playing and share with people. There’s a feeling of connecting and being seen and allowing myself to be seen. It’s the most terrifying thing to share these ugly parts of myself that I don’t want people to see. But then I share them, and it feels like there is some kind of relief through that connection, and through that transformation as they get shared, as reflections of something really honest and true to me.
This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity and length.
Porridge Radio’s Clouds in the Sky They Will Always Be There for Me is out now via Secretly Canadian.
Clouds In The Sky They Will Always Be There For Me by Porridge Radio