these songs . Having a fresh perspective and guidance opened up the writing floodgates .
Do you and Michael actually write songs together ? Or do you each contribute songs that work for the duo ? When it comes to the May Darlings , Michael and I are able to compose songs rather easily . We both write songs separately , but our best songs start with an M . Brett riff and come together with my poetry . Michael is a brilliant writer in his own right . A fantastic storyteller . His songs are structured perfectly . I need that order and balance . I need solid framework . Mike also happens to be a harmony machine . I think our harmonies set us apart as a duo .
When can people expect to hear the new songs ( May Darlings and solo work )?
The May Darlings are beginning to record some completely acoustic tracks . The new solo record that I ’ ve started pre-production on with Steve should hopefully be out by the end of this year / the start of next year .
Let ’ s end on a happy note . Tell me about your cat , Riordan . Seems like he keeps you centered in a way . Riordan ( whose name is the Irish Gaelic word for “ poet ”) is the cutest , sweetest ray of sunshine in my world . My friends Joe and Mallory found him and his brother and sister . I jumped at the chance to adopt him . Joe and Mallory do so much for strays . They ’ re great people . Riordan has enhanced my life . I have always been an animal lover , and outspoken about animal rights . They are amazing little beings and deserve to be treated with compassion .