Gingerjamesfair On the Making Of ‘Unreachable Peak’
What was the initial spark or idea that led to the creation of 'An Unreachable Peak?'
This album was inspired by the global disillusionment with work-life balance following the Covid-19 pandemic, where terms like 'quiet quitting' and ‘The Great Resignation’ made headlines. I was interested in how groups of people were arriving at similar conclusions about their experiences of work, despite being in very different fields of employment to one another. I was also inspired by some wider reading on similar themes such as Bullshit Jobs by David Graeber, Orbiting the Giant Hairball by Gordon MacKenzie and The Refusal of Work by David Frayne.
How do you feel 'An Unreachable Peak' represents your artistic identity?
I think it’s quite idiosyncratic, which is in keeping with much of my other work. I think it goes in unexpected or unlikely directions, sometimes successfully, sometimes less so. I think that it’s such a good description of my identity that I decided to call my production company ‘Idiosyncratic’.
What has been one of your most favorite memories along the path to making 'An Unreachable Peak?'
It’s been quite a slog making this record to be honest. I went through a lot of self-doubt about even finishing it at some points. I think my favourite memory has been the release of it, just to get it out in to the world and no longer stuck on my laptop. It is a relief and I feel energised to do the next thing!
What inspired you to pursue a career in music?
I’m not in pursuit of a career in music! My ‘professional’ life is as a filmmaker and a lecturer in university. I deliberately didn’t want to pursue a career in music, because I never wanted to be forced to create or express myself through music for the sake of an income. I wanted to preserve it as something I could always escape to outside of my ‘career’, hence An Unreachable Peak providing some kind of therapy!
Are there any specific artists or musicians you dream of collaborating with?
There are so many. I’d love to work with Damon Albarn, PJ Harvey or Sufjan Stevens. They’ve all had such successful collaborations, I’d love to experience their creative process up close.