Throughout the last year, people have experienced much pain, loss and anxiety, as the dark shadow of a world-wide pandemic threatens to throw away anything normal. During this time, many individuals have turned to the arts as a form of escapism. Painting, music, poetry, any form of art, has now become more accessible than ever as people find themselves with more time on their hands.
Before the pandemic happened, making music at home, while not widely popular, was still an effective way of recording and producing albums.
Artists would isolate themselves from the rest of the world and create whatever they feltl like without being judged by the outside world.
Below are seven albums that were made outside of a typical recording studio, sometimes in a bedroom, garage, or even a manor in England.
Bon Iver - For Emma, Forever Ago
When Justin Vernon, the man behind the band Bon Iver, found himself with a lot of feelings to process about the breakup of his former band, the end of a relationship, and numerous other things, he escaped to his father’s hunting cabin. He hadn’t planned on recording an album, but luckily, he had packed enough equipment to make it work.
The raw, unedited nature of the album helps create a feeling of intimacy with the listener, as they are transported to this cabin in the woods through the music.
Listen to Flume, from For Emma, Forever Ago Below.
To read more about the making of For Emma, Forever Ago, click here.
Bruce Springsteen - Nebraska
Bruce Springsteen’s sixth album had much darker themes then the ones that came before and after it. Influenced by the political and economic state of America at the time, Bruce wrote songs about, murder, hopelessness, and overall dark narratives.
The songs for Nebraska were recorded primarily with a guitar, harmonica, and glockenspiel, on a Tascam Portastudio 144 tape recorder.
The album was made at Bruce’s home in Colts Neck, New Jersey and it was originally meant to be demos to be recorded with the E street band. After rehearsing it however, Springsteen and his team decided that the lo-fi demos better suited the lyrical content of the album, so it was left the way it is.
Listen to Nebraska below.
To read more about Nebraska, click here.
Foo Fighters - Wasting Light
Wasting light is the seventh album from the Foo Fighters. It was recorded in front man David Grohl’s garage using only analog equipment.
Despite being recorded in a garage with the goal that it would sound like that, the album is regarded as one of the Foo Fighters best, and went on to win 5 grammys.
Listen to Bridge Burning, from Wasting Light, below.
To learn more about Wasting Light, click here.
Nine Inch Nails - The Downward Spiral
Nine Inch Nails’ second album, the Downward Spiral, was recorded in the same place where actress Sharon Tate was brutally murdered by Charles Manson and more members of the Manson “family.”
This album, as if being influenced by it’s shady location, has themes of man’s internal conflict, isolation, and helplessness.
Despite being released nearly 30 years ago, the album and its thematic elements remain relevant to many fans today.
Listen to Hurt, from The Downward Spiral, here.
Read more about The Downward Spiral here.
Radiohead - Ok Computer
While discussing the recording process for their second album, Radiohead guitarist, Ed O’Brian said “We were very insecure. Studios aren’t great places necessarily for making you secure.” Perhaps this feeling had an influence where the band decided to record their third album, Ok Computer.
Radiohead began the recording process in an apple storage shed in the british countryside, then moved to an Elizabethan manor in the town of Bath, owned by actress Jane Seymour. The ambiance of the manor helped contribute to the sound of the album
Listen to Exit Music (For a Film), From Ok Computer, here.
To read more about the creation of Ok Computer, click here.
The Rolling Stones - Exile on Main St.
Exile on Main St. is widely regarded as the greatest rock and roll album ever recorded and it was filmed in guitarist Keith Richards’, rented house in the South of France.
The recording process was determined by Richards and his irregular work habits.
Listen to Shake Your Hips, from Exile on Main St, here.
To learn more about Exile on Main St. click here.
Folklore - Taylor Swift
Folklore is a great example of an album created during isolation. During the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, Swift wrote and recorded her 8th album from the confines of her Los Angeles Home.
Swift even collaborated with making music from home expert, Bon Iver, on the album's fourth track, Exile. Despite recording this song together, the pair has never met in real life.
Folklore was released the same day the album was announced shocking fans and critics alike. Despite the recording situation and the surprise release, Folklore won Album of the Year at the 2021 Grammys.
Watch Taylor Swift and Bon Iver perform Exile below.
To learn more about the making of Folklore, click here.
Written By: Leah Gerber
Conclusion
These albums, all made by different artists, during different times, all seem to have one common theme. They were birthed from isolation. Whether it was forced because of a global pandemic, or welcomed to get away from the harsh eyes of critics, every artist mentioned worked with what they had and made masterpieces.
Do you have a favourite album that was recorded in an abnormal setting? Maybe it’s one that didn’t make the list. Let us know in the comments below.
Ready to release your music to the world? Check out this guide first!
