In this episode we're fortunate to have Nashville musician Mike Delevante join us. His new album, September Days, is in contention for record of the year. It boasts a timeless quality with jangly 12 string electric guitars and it offers a deeply personal feel. Notably, this marks Mike's first album of entirely self-written songs. It's a significant solo debut after years of making music with his older brother in the Delevantes. Get ready to delve into the creative journey behind Mike's remarkable new record, September Days.

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Find out more about Mike:

https://mikedelevante.com/

https://mikedelevante.bandcamp.com/album/september-days

https://orcd.co/mdseptdays

https://instagram.com/michaeldelevante

https://www.youtube.com/@mikedelevante

Https://facebook.com/mikedelevante

https://bsky.app/profile/delevante.bsky.social

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00:01:52 - Intro: Tom Compton welcomes Mike Delevante to Pursuing the Muse.

00:02:05 - September Days new album released

00:02:58 - Early Musical Journey & Songwriting

00:05:50 - Professional Deals & Hiatus

00:07:03 - Solo Songwriting Emergence

00:08:18 - Brother's Support & Sibling Dynamics

00:10:50 - Songwriting Floodgates Opening

00:12:30 - Personal Songwriting Process

00:14:22 - Album's Vulnerability & Timeless Sound

00:16:32 - September Days Title & Seasonal Themes

00:21:21 - "Adeline" Inspiration

00:22:38 - Music and Evoked Memories

00:25:40 - Meeting Garry Tallent

00:29:43 - Enduring Collaboration with Tallent

00:36:56 - Working with Producer Joe Pisapia

00:39:56 - Guitar Arrangements & Recording Approach

00:41:49 - Vocal Recording & Joe Pisapia's Encouragement

00:46:16 - Previous Mixing Deal & Graphic Design Background

00:52:22 - "The Rain Never Came" Theme

00:56:16 - "When You're Around" Meaning & Album Mood

01:00:10 - Emerging Hindsight Themes

01:03:26 - Songwriting Evolution During Recording

01:06:08 - Drummers & Recording Techniques

01:11:19 - Confidence from Recording Process

01:14:50 - Record Label & Guy Clark Foundation

01:17:33 - Album Availability

01:20:11 - New Jersey Roots & High School Influence

01:25:56 - Social Media Presence

01:31:35 - Closing Remarks: new record length podcast episode

Pursuing the Muse theme song "Neon Rails" by Joel Corelitz