Blackbird Diaries: Press Releases

Surfdog - USA LA

DAVE STEWART

The Blackbird Diaries

Release Date: August 23, 2011

Maybe it’s not a straight line, but you can trace the vast and varied creative journey of Dave Stewart – the musician, music producer, author, entrepreneur, filmmaker and philanthropist – back to his childhood in Sunderland, England…and to Tennessee.

 

“When I was a kid, my cousin ran away to Memphis, and he’d send back boxes filled with all these old blues albums,” remembers Stewart. “We hadn’t heard anything like Robert Johnson or Howlin’ Wolf in north east England. It’s why I learned to start playing the guitar. And there are elements of those records, and what I felt when I listened to those records, that still underlie everything I do.”

 

Granted, the man does a lot. Stewart’s music career alone spans three decades and more than 100 million album sales, highlighted by his collaboration with Annie Lennox in the groundbreaking pop-rock group the Eurythmics (“Sweet Dreams [Are Made of This]”, “Would I Lie to You?” and dozens more). Behind the scenes, he’s produced albums and co-written songs for Stevie Nicks, Tom Petty, Bono, Sinead O’Connor, Mick Jagger, Katy Perry, Jon Bon Jovi and a host of others, racking up numerous Producer, Songwriter and Grammy Awards along the way.

 

Stewart’s work outside of the music world is just as impressive. He’s released a highly-regarded business tome now in eight languages (The Business Playground: Where Creativity and Commerce Collide), directed a number of short films and movies (including 2000’s Honest, which debuted at Cannes), produced an award-winning documentary that reflected his early musical passions (1991’s Deep Blues: A Musical Pilgrimage to the Crossroads), created a multimedia creative hub with Paul Allen called The Hospital, developed his own media company (Weapons of Mass Entertainment), and participated in a number of philanthropic and non-profit projects, from Greenpeace to Stand Up to Cancer, Stewart also worked personally with Nelson Mandela and helped launch his 46664 campaign using his innovative thinking. He even wrote two comic books (one of which, Zombie Broadway, you might see along the Great White Way sometime in the near future).

 

And we haven’t even started talking about 2011 yet. “I’ve been kind of busy,” says Stewart, laughing.  “I co-produced and co-wrote the new Joss Stone album and I co-produced and co-wrote the new Stevie Nicks record In Your Dreams album. I’m going to go on tour with her soon.  I just finished recording with Super Heavy, a new band I created along with Mick Jagger, Joss Stone, Damian Marley and A.R. Rahman. I shot full length documentary feature films for Stevie and Joss and my own project and The Musical “Ghost” based on the Movie is opening in London this month I wrote the songs for “Ghost” with Glen Ballard.

 

The list goes on (and on…and on…). But most recently, a chance encounter pushed Stewart to take center stage on a project for the first time in over a decade, as well as reconnect with those early music memories. Travelling and stuck in London following a volcanic eruption in Iceland, Stewart wandered into a vintage guitar shop. Drawn to a particular model on the wall, the singer was treated to the shopkeeper’s story about the guitar’s original owner, an eccentric country singer named Red River Dave. Stewart felt a spark. As he puts it, “I walked out of that guitar shop and I not only knew I was going to Nashville, but what something amazing was going to happen there.”

 

That “something amazing” ended up as The Blackbird Diaries (Razor & Tie/Surfdog Records/Weapons of Mass Entertainment), a whirlwind five-day recording session with some of Nashville’s top session players, recorded at John and Martina McBride’s Blackbird Studio. The album, written by Stewart with co-write assist by Bob Dylan and guest appearances by Stevie Nicks, Martina McBride, Colbie Caillat and The Secret Sisters, is a reflective and story-driven journey, with nods to his blues inspirations (“Magic in the Blues,” “So Long Ago”), the price of success (“Beast Called Fame”) and relationships both lost and found (“Worth the Waiting For,” “All Messed Up”).

 

Stewart describes the album as thus: “It’s a little Dylan-esque meets Leonard Cohen meets Tom Petty meets Lou Reed meets Johnny Cash sounding kinda thing my low vocals and some quirky Beatles type chords and melodies thrown in.” The country/blues/Americana vibe of the record may come as a surprise to those who are more familiar with Stewart’s work with the more electronic sounds of the Eurythmics, but the musician doesn’t see it as a huge musical leap. (“Even back then, there was a blues element at work – you can hear it in songs like ‘Sweet Dreams’ and ‘Missionary Man,’” he says).

 

After knocking out the album in astounding five days, Stewart gives credit to new bandmates (Chad Cromwell, Michael Rhodes, Dan Dugmore, Tom Bukovac and Mike Rojas) for his creative flow. “It felt like how bands in the 60s, like the Beatles or the Kinks, would record,” he says. “The guys are in the band all have roots in country and blues and rock. And they would just slam these songs home the first time out.”

 

Stewart also filmed a companion movie for the album (also entitled The Blackbird Diaries), featuring performances of the songs and an unusual behind-the-scenes look at the making of the record, involving both a fortuneteller and a hypnotist.  For Stewart, it was simply another creative outlet. “I used to document everything, even back in the Eurythmics days,” he says. “I think filming and writing and music are all part of the same process.”

 

Impressed with how Blackbird turned out, Stewart already debuted the album live at Nashville’s Belcourt Theatre and plans to tour with his new back-up group (as well as continue recording at the same breakneck pace), while continuing his myriad of projects. But it’s obvious what project he’s currently favoring.

 

“I used to like just being in the back, being sort of an experimental mad scientist behind the scenes,” says Stewart. “But I’ve done enough of that. I’ve lived to tell a lot of stories, and now I’m comfortable in my own skin. This is the journey I’m going to take from now on.”

 

Proper Records - UK

Proper Records is thrilled to announce a partnership with Weapons of Mass Entertainment and Surfdog Records for the release of an exciting new album project from Artist/Producer/Director and Eurythmics co-founder, Dave Stewart. His new album, The Blackbird Diaries is set to be released in Britain on Monday, June 27th 2011.

Recently completed in Nashville, the album was produced by Dave Stewart and Mike Bradford and was recorded and mixed by John McBride at his famed Blackbird Studio.   The Blackbird Diaries is set to feature all new material including a co-write with Bob Dylan as well as duets with Stevie Nicks, Martina McBride, Colbie Caillat and features The Secret Sisters. Dave is backed throughout the album by a stellar assortment of musicians on the album including guitarist Tom Bukovac, drummer Chad Cromwell, bassist Michael Rhodes, steel guitarist Dan Dugmore and Mike Rojas on piano.

As an integral part of Stevie Nicks new album, ‘In Your Dreams’, (he was co-producer, co-writer, photographer, performer and movie director) Dave has been invited by Stevie as her special guest to perform at Webster Hall in New York City on May 4th.

Watch exclusive trailer about the upcoming companion film The Blackbird Diaries

 

“This was my favorite time ever in the studio, I wrote most of the songs on the spot and recorded all of them in one incredible session lasting 5 days and nights!,”  explains Dave Stewart.  I made an unusual film of the process that not only features all the musicians and performers but also gives away some of my writing secrets which involves both a well known fortune teller and hypnotist who allowed themselves to be filmed in session with me.”

 

Dave Stewart’s The Blackbird Diaries is unlike anything he has embarked on during his illustrious 30 year music career both with Eurythmics and as a solo artist. With an American flare and rooted in rock, country, and blues, the album is in the vein of recent releases by Bob Dylan and Neil Young – masterful recordings mixed with rich and detailed lyrics.  The Blackbird Diaries showcases a very different type of songwriting for Stewart with more story-driven autobiographical lyrics, which is a departure from the pop/rock sounds which have made him one of the most successful and revered songwriters/collaborators of all time. Tales of loves conquered and loves lost, Dave gets intimate, personal with words while he allows his music to rock free on an album that might just prove to be this artist’s second, and perhaps finest, act.

 

A multi-media entrepreneur, Dave Stewart is recognized as one of the most respected and accomplished talents in the entertainment industry today.  His career spans more than 30 years and more than 100 million album sales, plus a Lifetime Achievement Award with Eurythmics partner Annie Lennox. With Lennox, Stewart delivered ingenious pop/rock hits such as ‘Here Comes The Rain Again’, ‘Would I Lie To You’, ‘Missionary Man’, and ‘Sweet Dreams (Are Made Of This)’.  One of the most sought-after writers and music producers, Dave has crafted songs for and collaborated with the likes of Mick Jagger, Bono, Tom Petty, and Gwen Stefani (to name a few) and has shared the stage with everybody from BB King, U2, Eric Clapton, Bruce Springsteen and Bob Dylan.

Stewart has won Best British Producer four times and Best British Songwriter five times, as well as numerous Grammy, MTV, and European awards.  A highly-regarded artist and filmmaker, Stewart has scored and penned the title songs for many hit movies throughout the years, including the Mick Jagger collaboration for the film Alfie, which won the pair a Golden Globe. He produced the award-winning documentary Deep Blues, and his feature directorial debut Honest premiered at the Cannes Film Festival in 2000. Stewart and songwriter/producer Glen Ballard recently wrote a musical adaptation of the 1990 Jerry Zucker film Ghost, which opens in London’s West End in June this year. This Year Stewart also co-wrote and co-produced Joss Stone’s new album as well as Stevie Nicks’ new album ‘In Your Dreams’ which marks the first occasion Nicks has ever collaborated on a solo album.

“The Blackbird Diaries is a wonderful record and we are delighted to be working with Dave, he is a unique British talent.” Drew Hill, Director, Proper Records.

The Blackbird Diaries Tracklisting:

  1. So Long Ago
  2. Beast Called Fame
  3. Magic In The Blues
  4. All Messed Up (featuring Martina McBride)
  5. Stevie Baby
  6. Cheaper Than Free (featuring Stevie Nicks)
  7. The Gypsy Girl and Me
  8. One Way Ticket To The Moon (featuring The Secret Sisters)
  9. Bulletproof Vest (featuring Colbie Caillat
  10. Worth The Waiting For
  11. The Well
  12. Country Wine (featuring The Secret Sisters)

 

Produced by Dave Stewart and Mike Bradford

Mixed & Engineered by John McBride

Associate Producer: John McBride

Executive Producer: Dave Kaplan

Mixed and recorded at: Blackbird Studio, Nashville, TN

 

LINKS

Watch exclusive trailer about the upcoming companion film The Blackbird Diaries.

 

Download free song “Magic In The Blues” HERE (OK TO POST)

 

Watch Dave on Live From Daryl’s House

davestewart.com

 

theblackbirddiaries.com

davestewart.com/youtube

twitter.com/DaveStewart

Razor and Tie - New York

(New York, NY) – Razor & Tie is thrilled to announce a partnership with Weapons of Mass Entertainment and Surfdog Records for the release of an exciting new album project from Artist/Producer/Director and Eurythmics co-founder, Dave Stewart. His new album, The Blackbird Diaries is set to be released on Tuesday, August 28th 2011.  Recently completed in Nashville, the album was produced by Dave Stewart and Mike Bradford and was recorded and mixed by John McBride at his famed Blackbird Studio.   The Blackbird Diaries is set to feature all new material including a co-write with Bob Dylan as well as duets with Stevie Nicks, Martina McBride, Colbie Caillat and features The Secret Sisters. Dave is backed throughout the album by a stellar assortment of musicians on the album including guitarist Tom Bukovac, drummer Chad Cromwell, bassist Michael Rhodes, steel guitarist Dan Dugmore and Mike Rojas on piano.  As an integral part of Stevie Nicks new album, “In Your Dreams,” (he was co-producer, co-writer, photographer, performer and movie director) Dave has been invited by Stevie as her special guest to perform at Webster Hall in New York City on May 4th.

 

“This was my favorite time ever in the studio, I wrote most of the songs on the spot and recorded all of them in one incredible session lasting 5 days and nights!,”  explains Dave Stewart.  I made an unusual film of the process that not only features all the musicians and performers but also gives away some of my writing secrets which involves both a well known fortune teller and hypnotist who allowed themselves to be filmed in session with me.”

 

Dave Stewart’s The Blackbird Diaries is unlike anything he has embarked on during his illustrious 30 year music career both with Eurythmics and as a solo artist. With an American flare and rooted in rock, country, and blues, the album is in the vein of recent releases by Bob Dylan and Neil Young – masterful recordings mixed with rich and detailed lyrics.  The Blackbird Diaries showcases a very different type of songwriting for Stewart with more story-driven autobiographical lyrics, which is a departure from the pop/rock sounds which have made him one of the most successful and revered songwriters/collaborators of all time. Tales of loves conquered and loves lost, Dave gets intimate, personal with words while he allows his music to rock free on an album that might just prove to be this artist’s second, and perhaps finest, act.

 

A multi-media entrepreneur, Dave Stewart is recognized as one of the most respected and accomplished talents in the entertainment industry today.  His career spans more than 30 years and more than 100 million album sales, plus a Lifetime Achievement Award with Eurythmics partner Annie Lennox. With Lennox, Stewart delivered ingenious pop/rock hits such as “Here Comes The Rain Again,” “Would I Lie To You,” “Missionary Man,” and “Sweet Dreams (Are Made Of This)”.  One of the most sought-after writers and music producers, Dave has crafted songs for and collaborated with the likes of Mick Jagger, Bono, Tom Petty, and Gwen Stefani (to name a few) and has shared the stage with everybody from BB King, U2, Eric Clapton, Bruce Springsteen and Bob Dylan. Stewart has won Best British Producer four times and Best British Songwriter five times, as well as numerous Grammy, MTV, and European awards.  A highly-regarded artist and filmmaker, Stewart has scored and penned the title songs for many hit movies throughout the years, including the Mick Jagger collaboration for the film Alfie, which won the pair a Golden Globe. He produced the award-winning documentary Deep Blues, and his feature directorial debut Honest premiered at the Cannes Film Festival in 2000. Stewart and songwriter/producer Glen Ballard recently wrote a musical adaptation of the 1990 Jerry Zucker film Ghost, which opens in London’s West End in June this year. This Year Stewart also co-wrote and co-produced Joss Stone’s new album as well as Stevie Nicks’ new album “In Your Dreams” which marks the first occasion Nicks has ever collaborated on a solo album.

 

“We feel very fortunate to have the opportunity to work with Dave.  He is a legend who has been associated with all kinds of quality music for years and the Blackbird Diaries is an amazing accomplishment.  We will hunt and kill for him, adds Cliff Chenfeld, Co-Owner Razor & Tie.

Dave Stewart is the latest addition to join the leading independent label Razor & Tie and the diverse and acclaimed roster that includes such artists as Foreigner, Vanessa Carlton, Richard Ashcroft, Nicole Atkins, Angelique Kidjo, Dave Barnes, All That Remains, Norma Jean, Dweezil Zappa, Dar Williams, Chelsea Grin and The Summer Set.  The New York City-based label is one of the fastest growing independent record companies in the United States, and has garnered both Platinum sales and Grammy awards in its 20-year history.

Trending Records - Canada

Trending Records is honoured to announce that Dave Stewart is set to release a new album through a partnership with Proper Records, Surfdog Records, and Weapons of Mass Entertainment. The Blackbird Diaries will be the first solo album in 16 years from the renowned artist, producer, director, and Eurythmics co-founder, and is scheduled for release on June 27, 2011. The album was produced by Dave Stewart and Mike Bradford and was recorded and mixed by John McBride at his famed Blackbird Studio in Nashville.

 

The album will feature all new material including a song co-written with Bob Dylan, as well as duets with Stevie Nicks, Martina McBride, and Colbie Caillat. He says of the album, “This was my favorite time ever in the studio, I wrote most of the songs on the spot and recorded all of them in one incredible session lasting 5 days and nights! I made an unusual film of the process that not only features all the musicians and performers but also gives away some of my writing secrets which involves both a well known fortune teller and hypnotist who allowed themselves to be filmed in session with me.”