Space: the final frontier. A vast expanse of endless possibility. How many strange new worlds remain unexplored? How many cosmic stones are left unturned?
For a songwriter setting their sights on the vast unknown, there’s no shortage of creative inspiration to pull from the celestial ether. But it can get lonely out there.
So after releasing two full-length albums, an EP, and a mixtape under the Delorean Gray moniker, Jake Chisenhall decided to return to terra firma. Steel guitar and co-conspirators soon replaced synthesizers and drum machines, making way for more organic sounds and less isolated adventures.
During Delorean Gray’s atmospheric reentry, two other projects were being primed, with Chisenhall at the helm as co-pilot: Sunset Honor Unit and Floral Portrait. Having shared songwriting duties in various projects over the years, including Mr. Mustache and Fake Flowers, Chisenhall found themselves right back at home penning tunes with new groups and a new instrument.
Chisenhall was able to carve out time here and there for some songs of their (mostly) own creation, too.
“This record was cobbled together over a couple of years, primarily driven by a desire to play with friends and experiment with recording in a different home studio,” explains Chisenhall, who had moved into a new abode in the spring of 2021.
Their latest release, Be Steel, My Heart, shirks the “solo” artist title in that regard and instead emphasizes collaboration, with Chisenhall’s beloved steel guitar as its cornerstone. The EP features contributions from former Delorean Gray live-band members Freeman Leverett and Jason Bronson, as well as vocals from Lia Xiomara and Rose Hotel’s Jordan Reynolds. Acclaimed multi-instrumentalist and Atlanta music mainstay Paul Stevens also contributes vibraphones on several tracks, particularly on “One for Mr. Byrd” — an homage to steel guitar proselytizer Jerry Byrd.
“I want to continue to create more and different kinds of music, but labelling it all as Delorean Gray just doesn’t sit right with me,” Chisenhall explains.
Spanning jazzy bossa nova, cosmic country, and more traditional Hawaiian styles, Be Steel, My Heart showcases the songwriter’s redefined musical palette, though their penchant for standout melodies and tastefully layered harmonies is still on full display.
Delorean Gray may have hung their helmet, but Jake Chisenhall still has many strange new worlds to explore.
Be Steel, My Heart is set to be released on August 22.