New Hampshire-based multi-instrumentalist and singer-songwriter Norwood just returned with a new album titled ‘Rain Is Always an Opportunity’. Known for his unique blend of alt-indie-folk, Norwood once again pushes the boundaries of his musical style, offering a fresh listening experience.
For those who revel in the heartfelt melodies of Bon Iver, the introspective storytelling of Sufjan Stevens, and the intricate soundscapes of Iron & Wine, Norwood’s new album is a must-hear. ‘Rain Is Always an Opportunity’ continues Norwood’s journey of exploring human emotion and vulnerability through his music, blending organic instrumentation with creative production techniques to craft a sound that is uniquely his own.
Following the success of his introspective debut album, ‘Miss the Point‘, which tackled themes of existential dread and gratitude, Norwood’s latest project takes a more experimental approach. This album marks his first collaboration with Jeremy Gustin and Ryan Dugre of Toth, whom he met serendipitously at one of their shows. Their spontaneous and playful recording sessions over nine days led to the creation of 11 tracks, each imbued with the joy and camaraderie of their time together.
The title track, “Rain Is Always an Opportunity”, encapsulates the album’s inventive spirit. Recorded during a rainstorm, the soothing sounds of rain mixed with tape fuzz create an atmospheric backdrop that sets the tone for the entire album.
Norwood explains the inspiration behind the album’s title and its recording process: “Instead of trying to wait out a rainstorm, we decided to stick a mic out the window and mix the nice rain sounds with tape fuzz. The title was something I said offhand to Jeremy, who liked it, and I really think it encapsulates the try-anything mentality we had with the record. From Ryan biting fruit in ‘Labyrinth’ and singing harmonies so high in ‘Calypso’ that we needed multiple takes from laughing, to Jeremy’s amazing oboe playing and chameleon-like drumwork, to the special surprise sound at the end of ‘Cerberus’, this record was a lot of fun.”
The album was recorded amidst beach walks, musical evenings, and the culinary and photography support of Ryan’s wife, Wing. Norwood fondly recalls, “It was genuinely one of the happiest weeks of my life, and I’m really happy we have the album to remember it with.”
