The differences between Seattle and Britain have become a source of musical inspiration for Longboat. Where the project’s American birthplace offers mountains, forests and wildlife, the UK presents centuries of history woven into its everyday surroundings. That contrast informs Proud of My Postcode, an all-electronic album arriving at the end of September.
Longboat’s founder currently spends time between Seattle and Britain, with plans to make the UK his permanent home in the future. His experiences in the country have supplied material for an album concerned with both historical subjects and contemporary life. Recorded at London’s Strongroom Studios in Shoreditch, with Will Davies engineering, the release approaches Britain through personal observation rather than an attempt at a definitive national portrait.
“Proud of My Postcode doesn’t draw a complete picture of the UK, but I hope it helps to convey my affection for this country,” the songwriter explains. His approach favours people, places, culture and everyday contradictions over traditional romantic themes. Describing the freedom that comes with looking beyond conventional love songs, he says: “It’s pretty liberating.”
The album marks another chapter for a project founded in Seattle in 2011 and now numbering Proud of My Postcode as its 37th album. Alongside the recording work, Longboat’s founder has begun performing piano-only versions of around 100 songs from the repertoire around Clerkenwell. He hopes to take those performances further afield as his musical activity in Britain continues to grow.