Wellington Music: New Album - Louis TM
An interview with Pо̄neke keyboard player/vocalist Louis TM, whose debut album, 'Shelter for a Broken Soul', was released in September last year.
When/where was the new album recorded?
The album was recorded at The Surgery studio here in Pōneke across a few sessions in 2024.
Who produced/engineered the album? How did the tracks come together in the studio, or at home?
Recording was engineered by Lee Prebble who has but out huge amounts into the Aotearoa music scene. The recordings were produced by myself and the 'engine room' - Chris Armour, Nick George & Steve Moodie. Tracking the record was mostly pre-conceived with the exception of a track which mostly came together in the sessions.
How did the songwriting happen? Are there any overall themes within the songs/album?
The tunes were mostly conceived at my piano at home, then fleshed out with my band. But the songwriting itself and the themes reflect life, love and heartbreak. Being a soul album it's got to come from an authentic place I feel, as well as the themes being very human and relatable.
Live in Melbourne Nov '24.
Were you going for a different sound/approach on this album?
This being my debut album along with solidifying my approach and sound, I really wanted to make a classic sounding soul album. From the recording style and techniques through to the final vinyl product, the sound and aesthetic of the album, the goal was to make something that sounds iconic and would stand the test of time. I hope it hit the mark.
Was there any specific gear you used to capture that?
Being at the Surgery with "Dr" Lee, we had a great array of vintage mics and vintage outboard gear at our disposal. Recording an album though, or anything really, is all about those little steps, making a bunch of little decisions that will change what the outcome is. The main aim was also to have real instruments, so there are no plug-in keyboards that's for sure. You're hearing a real Wurlitzer, a real Hammond organ. I don't think you can make an honest sounding soul record without going down that road.
Is there a particular single/track that you feel captures the essence of the album?
I hope the whole record has a cohesive sound that no matter what track you put on you'll get the vibe of the record. However the opening track I Thought it was Love felt such a strong opening tune that when the needle drops on the album within that first riff you know what sort of experience the rest of the album will give you.
'Shelter for a Broken Soul' - Vinyl available from Diver Records
Is there a physical copy available? If not which digital platforms is it available on?
Yes! The album is available on 180 gram vinyl LP which was the ultimate end goal of the recording, so I highly recommend if you're a physical record collector this is the sauce. However the album is of course available online on all the usual streaming services [Spotify] that we as artists don't ultimately gain from, but are there for your convenience. A nice reminder that buying the physical copy of your favourite artists music or going to a show, buying merch etc. is the best way to support.
Are you working on a video/videos for any of the songs? Are you doing any gigs or promotion for its release?
We recorded a fantastic live session Live at the Hatmosphere which is out now on YouTube - which is my full extended band all in the Hill Hats factory in Petone, Wellington featuring a couple of the singles off the album. We released the album in September of 2024 in Wellington and then after a feature with Fly My Pretties the live show was taken to Melbourne. Summer shows followed and I'm looking forward to hitting some more shows in 2025.
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