A few years ago, I decided to organize this plastic tub full of music I had been carrying around. This tub held all the music I had made; essentially every artifact that had not been lost along the way, since I was around 16.
There were a lot of demos, various versions, the architecture of future projects and even some fully realized records that never made their way into the world
I categorized them into a loose system that I mostly understand. Much of what I made in my teens was sectioned off from songs I was making in my 20s. From there, songs that were not already divvied up into their perspective projects were organized so I could find them.
In the end, I had close to 400 unreleased songs; some of them hastily recorded, some completely arranged, and everything in between. Not to mention many alternate versions of songs currently released on other records.
These songs, these albums all at one point were slated to make it out into the world; before other plans and schemes postponed there departure.
I turned 41 last year. With zero sadness in this statement, (I still write quite a bit and there’s always something in the works) I realized I’m not going to get back to much of this stuff.
I’ve decided to release what is releasable and what I think might be enjoyable to hear.
Currently, these songs serve no purpose at all, languishing in my plastic tub. I will tell the stories of their creation where I think it is interesting. Of course, all the amazing people I’ve worked with over the years will be credited.
I hope you enjoy listening. Check out josephallenbeltram.bandcamp.com or the Youtube playlist Other Hours Other Rooms on my page for a running list of songs as they make it your way.
This year I plan on releasing two records. Your Man Alone a project I’ve been working on for a few years. And its sister record Lonesome Companion, A record I started in February and have devoted my Shelter in place time to.