23 August 2024 - 0 Comments

Aotearoa’s dynamic and profound artist Neil MacLeod, announces the release of his EP, I Need A Battle. This compelling project invites listeners on an intense and introspective journey through seven powerful tracks that weave together themes of personal growth and artistic evolution.

I Need A Battle is the culmination of years of sporadic but intense creativity. The EP's inception was marked by the creation of its title track, which MacLeod describes as the cornerstone of the project. “The songs came together over many years during periods of intense production and personal growth. When I wrote the song I Need A Battle, it moved me so much that I decided to build the entire record around it. I’m certain that the song revealed itself to me so that I could learn from it,” MacLeod reflects.

To bring this vision to life, MacLeod immersed himself fully in the music, spending a week at Bigpop’s Drake Street Studios, away from Wellington’s daily distractions. “I slept at the studio for multiple nights on the couch – I essentially lived in the world of the music,” he shares. This period of focused creativity enabled MacLeod to shape the EP into a cohesive and impactful body of work, embodying the raw essence of his artistic vision.

The EP explores a rich tapestry of emotions and experiences, tackling themes of fear, obsession, dreams, sadness, and anger. “I Need A Battle is a reminder to confront the things that scare us. It’s not a new idea, but it’s one that humans need constant reminding of, myself included. I’m confronting things when I write these songs, and I hope that they can help others to do the same,” MacLeod elaborates.

To expand the universe of I Need A Battle, MacLeod collaborated with director Oscar Keys on a short film of the same name. “The idea for creating a piece like I Need A Battle emerged shortly after meeting Neil. Working together quickly revealed a rare synergy,” Keys notes. As co-directors, MacLeod and Keys explored the EP’s themes while leaving room for audience interpretation. “The film is purposefully open-ended, allowing viewers to imagine the music in their own way,” Keys adds.

In addition to MacLeod’s evocative songwriting, the EP features contributions from several talented musicians. Sam Thompson co-wrote Tunnel Vision and Never Over, while Leonardo Coghini’s piano skills enrich I Need A Battle and Coda. Salina Fisher’s violin performance adds emotional depth to Coda. The EP was expertly mastered by Grammy-nominated engineer Ryan Schwabe, ensuring a striking and cohesive finish.

I Need A Battle is out now via Aotearoa's independent label, Particle Records, promising a profound experience for listeners. Through MacLeod’s evocative music and the accompanying short film, the EP invites audiences to confront their emotions and embrace their battles.

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