So Many Plans
August 30, 2023
SO MANY PLANS
The song was written during the first lockdown in 2020, just when I came back from a two months long period of writing and recording in northern Norway. A friend's lament on their many plans that had to be put on ice became the initial inspiration for this song's title. That phrase still stuck in my head, I sat down in my attic studio with my newly rediscovered baritone uke and started playing the first chords to the song. I then added pump organ and some french horn to it, which became somewhat of a triptych for the record. I finished it off with bass and percussion from the modular synth, my big obsession at that time.
During the writing process the simple sentence that had started the song came to mean much more than its original intent.
Link to 'So Many Plans' here:
https://beirut.lnk.to/SoManyPlans
ANNOUNCED: New album Hadsel and first single "So Many Plans"
August 30, 2023
Zach Condon, the creative force behind Beirut, has unveiled exciting news for fans with the upcoming release of his latest album, "Hadsel." The album, set to launch on November 10th via Pompeii Records, marks Condon's return after over four years, promising a collection of 12 songs that delve into the depths of darkness and emerge with a unique blend of warmth and solace.
The journey leading to "Hadsel" was both personal and geographical. After battling self-doubt and health issues, including a setback during Beirut's Gallipoli tour, Condon sought a fresh start. He found inspiration on the remote island of Hadsel, located in northern Norway. Exploring a secluded cabin with minimal daylight and surrounded by the awe-inspiring natural beauty of the region, Condon's encounter with the local Hadselkirke church organ became a turning point. This historic organ, dating back to the 1800s, became the foundation for the album's creation.
Lead single "So Many Plans," available now through Pompeii Records / Secretly Distribution, provides a glimpse into the album's essence. Condon describes the song as a harmonious blend of acceptance, hope, and resignation, reflecting the emotions of the times.
The album's creation process was a transformative experience for Condon, allowing him to confront personal challenges while being surrounded by the stunning landscapes of Norway. "During my time in Hadsel, I worked hard on the music, lost in a trance and stumbling blindly through my own mental collapse that I had been pushing aside since I was a teenager," Condon shared. "It came and rang me like a bell."
"Hadsel" showcases Condon's multi-instrumental talents, featuring trumpet, modular synthesizers, baritone ukulele, French horn, and more. The result is a tapestry of sound that bridges the gap between Beirut's roots and newfound territories.
Fans can pre-order "Hadsel" now to be among the first to experience it.
The album's tracklist includes:
- Hadsel
- Arctic Forest
- Baion
- So Many Plans
- Melbu
- Stokmarknes
- Island Life
- Spillhaugen
- January 18th
- Süddeutsches Ton-Bild-Studio
- The Tern
- Regulatory
Listen to to "So Many Plans" here.
