Album Release Day!!!

My new record, “Underneath Everything,” is out today. Available to stream everywhere, and we have a limited supply of vinyls too.

This was a long time coming. Some thoughts on the record and the process below. Thanks everyone for your support. It feels good to know my music is landing right where I hoped it would.

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The songs on this record were all written before the pandemic.

But they were recorded with my brother Paul Murphy during the pandemic, in the deepest darkest depths.

So it’s not a pandemic record per se. But actually maybe it is?

We worked from our basement silos, sending our files and our thoughts through the ether. It’s a weird way to make music. But it worked! And was surprisingly fun.

The concept behind this record is simple - these are my best songs from a certain time in my life. They blend together conceptually, lyrically, and musically.

They are also, I think, the best songs I have ever written. That more than anything is what made me want to keep working on them, and to record them and mix them and master and press them to vinyl and share them with you.

The title of the record comes from the opening song, “Good Money,” which always felt like the spiritual leader of the pack. A money about the weight of giving yourself away for material things while telling yourself it’s all worth it. “Underneath Everything” implies both a weight coming down upon you, and a need to look deeper, to find meaning. A negative and a positive. The simple and the complex.

The album artwork is based on a drawing by my daughter, as re-conceptualized by my friend Jud Haynes. Childlike and ominous at the same time. 

Because the world is an ominous and heartbreaking place, but it’s beautiful too. I’m looking for beauty wherever I can find it. I hope you are too.

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I was so lucky to be able to work with my brother Paul Murphy on this record. He is a beautiful person writing the most beautiful songs. Making music with him is one of the most special things. I couldn’t have and wouldn’t have done this without him. Love you Pauly.

I also want to thank my beautiful partner in life and in all things, Joanna Thurlow. She’s been listening to these songs in various permutations for way too long, but still keeps listening with a smile. So genuine, so beautiful. She takes the weight off. Love you Jo.

And I have to give a huge thanks to my kids, Victor and Frances, not just for being such wonderful and beautiful kids, but for helping to make the artwork for this record! You’re a part of me and you’re a part of this record too. Love you both so much. 

And thank you to everyone else who has taken time to listen and offered words of support. It means the world to me. Love you all.

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CREDITS:

Produced by Paul Murphy

Played by Michael Murphy, Paul Murphy and Jordan Murphy

Recorded in our basements, except drums recorded by Palmer Jamieson at Golden Palm

Mixed by Michael Fong

Mastered by Noah Mintz at Lacquer

Album artwork by Jud Haynes based upon drawings by my sweet kids.