Ahead of the release of their fourth My Girl The River album, 'Manifest Good Things’, Kris Wilkinson Hughes discusses the recording process, themes and working as an independent musician.
F&T: You’re about to release your fourth album, ‘Manifest Good Things’. That’s an interesting title, how did that come about?
KWH: Joe and Rue and I have a family chat and when either of us notice 11:11, a mystical, auspicious time, we text MGT! We’ve been doing it awhile. I feel like we manifested this album by deciding to do a crowdfund and things just started to fall into place. So I felt ‘Manifest Good Things’ was the perfect title. It really brings out the character of the songs, in which some are about manifesting, like Up ‘The Mountain’ or ‘Breadcrumbs on the Water’.
F&T: Would you say there is a theme to the record?
KWH: I think it’s about growing up and showing up in your life. Reaching for things that are important to you. Loving yourself but also sharing your love with others. Even strangers, they might need your smile or kindness. I think it’s also about how we process relationships and try to be a better human.
F&T: You’ve lived in the UK for several years now, yet your music still sounds as if it is still heavily inspired by your Louisiana upbringing. Do you still find that, or do you find yourself finding more inspiration in your current soundings.
KWH: I think I am still heavily influenced on some songs – ‘Teenage Geek’ is about a very specific time in my life as a teenager growing up in Louisiana. I think some of the sound choices, styles, and vocals have that southern feel. The overall sound gives it that southern vibe but some songs on this album are about life in general, good things, love, trying your best, missing people. All very relatable. Some of my strong memories definitely shaped the album.
F&T: The recording process was very much a family affair. How did that go?
KWH: It went really well. We had to be thoughtful about how, when and how much does it cost. We managed a few studio days broken up over a few weeks. Rue came in and did harmonies for us. Joe was with me on several of the days to lay down his parts with engineer/drummer Chris Pepper. I love those days because you lose yourself in ‘studio time’. We say nothing goes faster than studio time! And then to have old friends send us their parts – I trusted their instincts and they absolutely understood the assignment! Gorgeous parts from some very talented people. I am indebted to them for their talent and time and willingness to hop on board. I have known Jerry Dale since 1989. Kristin since around 1992. George since 1994. So, forgive me if I feel very nostalgic over this album! And then of course to have my husband, Joe, and daughter, Rue, on it, really makes me so grateful. Steve Lee played on our first album as Cicero Buck in 2002. It’s wonderful to have him back in the fold.
F&T: Unlike previous records, you’ve entirely arranged and produced this one yourself. Was that a daunting task and in the end, rewarding?
KWH: No, not daunting. It’s a lot of work, but it’s a dream, and I wouldn’t call it work because I absolutely love producing. I have/hear ideas and to bring them into the light of day, out of the dark swirl of imagination into reality. That is amazing. And when people almost seem to reach inside your head and pull out the part you dreamed of, that is magical. When you hear a song in your mind and want it to sound a certain way, arranged a particular way, it’s important to have folks behind you who get it – and ultimately, they need to like the song. ‘Manifest Good Things’ shows what is possible when you trust yourself, believe in the songs, and bring in people who have your back.
F&T: You financed the record with the help of Crowdfunder. How important is that option to an independent musician as yourself?
KWH: We couldn’t have done it without a crowdfund. I was on the fence about whether to do it at all. I wasn’t sure I had all the songs, I knew it would be expensive, and it’s such a hard time right now. I think you have to have such a high profile to imagine that you will make your money back on your investment of recording and manufacturing a new album. And we decided to do vinyl this time. So, when doing the math, I knew we had to get a certain amount to guarantee we could afford to make the album and fulfil the rewards/packages. And we knew we would have to put in a certain amount ourselves. We have had to plan carefully to make sure it all worked out. And it did. Once we said ‘yes, we’re doing it’, then everything started to fall into place. Artists are having to come up with more and more options – crowdfunding, unique merchandise, special concerts, etc. to find ways to fund their art. And then you have the whole performance side of things. Which is equally difficult if not harder. Tickets for small gigs are not selling. Imagine setting a price at a paltry £15 and folks don’t come. However, our mantra is Manifest Good Things! We will play a fab show, you can count on it, 10 or 100 people.
F&T: You’ve got some UK festival dates coming up followed by tour dates in September and November across the UK. Will those be full band shows?
KWH: YES! We are so excited. The band is still finding its feet – we have only done two shows together. But the tour to support the album will be so much fun. Lots of little surprises and a great set of music planned. And some wonderful friends have joined us as support artists. We are going to have a great time. Anyone who drops in and joins us will leave feeling happy and a bit more inspired. I hope so anyway!
‘Manifest Good Things’ is out on 4th September and a full list of tour dates are online now.