Some Days by Simon Mavin

Some Days is Simon Mavin’s first solo piano release. It documents seven individual moments in time, spanning roughly over a five year period. In between contributing his talents primarily as a member of Hiatus Kaiyote, The Sweet Enoughs and The Putbacks, Simon sat down at the piano or a keyboard and recorded whatever came to mind, usually settling on the first take. The nature of the piano as a dynamic instrument means that nothing can ever be played exactly the same way twice.

“That’s how I wanted these pieces of music to sit, more of a photograph than a composition.”

Simon’s blend of technical mastery and life experience has gifted him with something real to say and the means that are necessary to say it. The stories are shaped with his hands, concentrating his expansive musical vocabulary into seven meditations–lucid dreams unfolding like waves from the depths of a deep ocean of creative sincerity.

“That’s kind of the trip. I’m trying not to be a musician. Nowadays, we’re forced to be the best. With the online community, maybe it’s just my algorithm, but it seems like people are mastering their shit, mastering their instrument and the virtuosity of being a musician. I just wanted to flip it. I just want it to be full of artistry, and simplicity is something that I just keep coming back to. In my artist mind, this is who I am. These are the melodies that I hear.”

Some Days it’s about the space between the notes, the rhythmic pulse within the tides. Some Days, it’s a lonely night in a Los Angeles hotel room, capturing a golden melody that helps put a friend at ease during a long tour when the road is only singing the blues. Some Days, it’s a phrase captured perfectly imperfect on an iphone, never to be replicated, never to be replaced, somehow reminiscent of David Lynch. Some Days, it’s a demo that just feels right as is. Playing with an ostinato pattern in 7/4 with some spring reverb, everything in support of the melody, to make it sing. One finger louder than the rest. Some Days, it’s an improvised piece, played on a keyboard plug-in that just didn’t sound as good on an actual piano. Some Days write themselves after getting lost in a sound and utilizing the soft pedal. Some Days are for getting rid of the expectations. Not even listening. Just to sit, breathe, relax, leave the ego at the door, and maintain a state of neutral creation. Some Days can wash it all away.

“It’s interesting being in a relationship with my partner Maggie, someone who is so heavily involved with sports and coaching and that athletic mindframe. There are some real similarities, but there are also some big differences. The obvious one is that there are no winners in music. Who’s the best? Is this good? It’s up to you. Who am I to dictate whether something is good or not?

These days, I don’t have the urge to be a virtuosic musician anymore. I still love the heavy shit, but it’s not for me for some reason. I just want to sing on the piano. That’s what I think I’ve done with this record.”

Some Days is Simon Mavin’s first solo piano release. It documents seven individual moments in time, spanning roughly over a five year period.
Simon sat down at the piano or a keyboard and recorded whatever came to mind, usually settling on the first take. The nature of the piano as a dynamic instrument means that nothing can ever be played exactly the same way twice.