 Courtesy of the Artist Having spent almost a decade in the wilderness, Americana singer-songwriter Alf Hale had a spectacular return to the music scene with his 2017 EP Misanthrope, which chronicled his remarkable journey from the depths of alcoholism to his eventual redemption. Now, Hale is prepping the release of City on a Hill, which channels the dark underbelly of country folk, and blues, on July 6th. Ahead of the upcoming project, Hale kindly answered his Essential 8 and spoke about the album, songwriting, and more. Did you have a musical mentor? If so, who was it and how did they influence you? Inspiration and influence for me comes from great writers of the past, one great example for me is Townes Van Zandt. With any particular song, was there an “a-ha” moment when you knew the song was completed and perfect? Not with any one song in particular - for me the aha moment comes in the studio when it comes together and I feel I’ve captured a real feeling or emotion. It's a really great moment. Is there a story behind your album’s title? The album's title comes from a biblical reference meaning someone that lights up and can’t be hidden. Why did you choose to anchor the album with the songs you did? The anchor for this album was to write and and record only using two instruments, the acoustic guitar and the fiddle. Each song for me captures this perfectly. When/where do you do your best writing?
I do my best writing on the boat where I now live. Peace, quiet and no distractions (except for the madness of my own mind!) Do you write about personal experience, the experience of others, observations, made-up stories, something else or a combination? I always write on personal experiences and observations. The richer and crazier the life the bigger the bank !! What’s the best advice you have ever gotten from another musician? The best advice given to me and also for me to give any new writers is to do your “own thing” and stick to it. What has been your biggest struggle so far? My biggest struggle so far has been with alcohol. It damn near killed me. That and the sheer madness of an overactive mind. I have however found some peace of late, praise God. Bandcamp/Facebook
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