Josh Brooks & The High Ground debut “Long Way Home” is the result of years of frontman Brooks writing and trying out material before arriving at this destination. Influenced by a lot of the college rock scene of the 80’s and 90’s this EP is full of nostalgia while looking towards the future. We spoke with Josh Brooks about the process and what’s next.
BB: How did you record “Long Way Home?” Did you aim for a live band sound, or did you build the songs up one part at a time?
We built the parts up one at a time, but definitely wanted the cohesive and consistent feel of a live band sound.
BB: Who helped you make this EP? The production is great. Who was the main producer involved in shaping the sound?
Brandon Wood is the main producer involved. I recorded a couple of demos with Randy Smith, but Brandon was the chief force in shaping everything together into the final product.
BB: You’ve written a lot of music along the way. How did you decide which songs made it onto the final EP? What was the most important thing you wanted to capture about the songs in the studio?
Long Way Home was initially written as a slower, sadder song, but once I tried speeding it up and putting more energy into it, it took on the feel of a solid lead/debut single. The other songs were included to capture the feel and mood of the entire upcoming record into a more condensed package…kind of a teaser, if you will.
The most important thing I wanted to capture about the songs was the truth about the stories I’m telling. Individually and collectively, the songs are both deeply personal to me, and—I hope—highly relatable to anyone listening. Therefore, they have to be as authentic, honest, and truthful as I’m capable of being and writing.
BB: What is the meaning behind the title, Long Way Home, for the band right now?
I’ve been a fan of music all my life, and it has shaped much of who I am and what I want to be. However, I’ve gotten a later start than most in putting myself and what I write out in the world. It’s a very uncertain, humbling, and hopeful place to be, but it feels right and necessary…so in that regard, it’s indeed been a long way home.
BB: Now that it’s finished, what are you hoping listeners will connect with or take away from the new music?
Truth, authenticity, and relatability. I write very honestly and sometimes very bluntly and specifically, but it’s the only way I can be truthful to and with myself. I hope that style coupled with a uniquely familiar sound will help tell the stories in a way that resonates.
Listen to “Long Way Home” here.
Stream it on Spotify.
