Journal entry, February 5th, 2009.

A few minutes ago I uploaded the first track candidates for the next Ugress album to a private set on Soundcloud, for my trusted crew to pick apart.

I have spent the last week wrapping up tracks and developing sketches to full bodied tracks. For this album, I want to finish each and every potential track before making a decision to include it or not.  This also means, if a track is refused for an Ugress album, it is nevertheless DONE, and can be put to use anytime anywhere else. I realize I am going to be very busy the next 18 months or so with albums, touring, scoring and production gigs, and I very much would like to get that Ugress album out this summer.

On average, these days I manage to finish one track in two days. By finish, I mean a completely fleshed out track, not a final "mix". There are still edits to do, but the track as an entity, is finished.

I then send the tracks to my most trusted accomplices, my drummer Igor and my manager-publisher Roar. Together (or rather, virtually,) we discuss each track and consider it for inclusion. I have the final say but their opinions are important, and we usually agree after a combination of track edits, suggestions and discussions.

Right now I focus intently on wrapping up as many tracks as possible, just pouring out ideas and having each track carry themselves along, with my album ideas lingering subconsciously while writing. I have started to get a feel for the album, but nothing is certain yet, and each track I finish pulls it in a new direction.

In a few weeks time there should be enough finished tracks to make a final selection, and the album concept should start materializing. Also, there should be a healthy amount of refused album tracks, to be released as singles or EP continuously during this spring.