The Love Language’s Ruby Red (Merge) was supposed to be finished more than a year ago. “I can definitely overthink stuff,” says Stuart McLamb, the band’s singer, songwriter, guitarist, bassist and only full-time member. Over the next year, McLamb wound up throwing away some old songs, writing some new ones and recording the whole album all over again, bouncing between 21 musicians and four cities before he and co-producer B.J. Burton decided they were done. It was one of those times when recording was harder than writing, but now that it’s all in the past, McLamb describes himself as “genuinely happy.” McLamb will be guest editing magnetmagazine.com all week. Read our brand-new feature on the band.
McLamb: I’m currently typing this up the day before it’s due because of my unhealthy addiction to this series. I started it about two-and-a-half weeks ago, and I’m already caught up. When it ended, it was like the bag had just ran out. I’d been watching it with my buddy Hoppie, and we just looked at each other like, “Well, what do we do now?” We were really quiet for way too long. It was kind of depressing. But it’s addictive for a reason. The character arc is great. You’re constantly second guessing who to root for. I like that there’s no suggestion of who or what is right and wrong, so you have to decide for yourself.
Video after the jump.
