Butch Walker first savored the glory of major-label success during the ‘80s and ‘90s while a part of the band SouthGang under Virgin Records and the pop-metal trio Marvelous 3. Walker eventually let go of his bandmate career, and resurfaced with a solo career as a singer/guitarist.
Despite his lack of full blown success with his first few albums, Walker headed back to the studio to create his seventh solo album Afraid of Ghosts via Dangerbird. Over the course of his journey, producer Ryan Adams accompanied Walker in the formation of his most heartfelt album to date.
Brooklyn Vegan shares a short film of Walker’s journey through his first-ever co-produced album in “Afraid of Ghosts”. Directed and filmed by Noah Abrams, the film is Walker’s detailed account of his experience as he looks back on how Afraid of Ghosts came to life.
Shot in entirely black and white, the video opens with a static-y slew of scenes from the studio: Adams jamming on the drums, Walker enraptured by his guitar, endless conversations. The video transitions from past scenes to Walker sitting solo, explaining the story behind his newest work. After revealing that he stopped assisting Adams on his last record due to the emotional toll from his father’s death, it is obvious that Walker was excited to get back in the studio with his dear friend. “He’s so opinionated and passionate,” Walker recalled.
Typically accustomed to taking on projects solo, Walker took a step out of his comfort zone by allowing himself to consider the opinions of others. “The process is completely different because most of the time it’s just me sitting there at the desk,” Walker explained.
With Adams’ wide range of connections, he brought out Johnny Depp to partake in a single. Unbeknownst to Walker, he recounts his shock when he saw the famed actor enter the studio. The famed actor contributed an epic guitar solo that blew Walker away, before mysteriously leaving in true Depp fashion.
Although Walker is used to taking on the production of an album on his own, he is undoubtedly appreciative of the efforts of his peers.
“You just have to learn how to let go of your pride and go ‘I’m okay with that being out of tune or I’m okay with that being a little ****ed up right there because those are the kinds of things that when you listen to a record… that’s why they don’t get old.”
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