Briston Maroney - Ultrapure [CD]

Making this album was a perfect combination of effortlessness and a struggle. It was very clear from the start it was going to be something I would never forget. The thesis formed when I wrote the title track, “Ultrapure,” which was the second song I wrote for the album, after “Body.” It was one of those rare artist’s dream songs that took just 15 minutes to spill out after weeks of writing what were, essentially, a lot of shitty songs. It was the kind of song that laughed at me when I finished it, mockingly saying “I’ve been here all along dumbass!!!” So began a meditative cycle of me practicing getting out of my own way and letting these songs present themselves.

Throughout the record I wanted to open a lot of doors, peek my head in, and reflect for a bit. For the first time I’m addressing both the pains of my childhood, and the love I have for my mother. Honoring this duality, “Delaware,” “Sunshine,” and “Ultrapure” all touch on the defining moments of travel, danger, and uncertainty I felt in my early life, while their titles reference some of the most beautiful memories I have. Writing about all of this was totally new for me, but these songs guided me so kindly to the moments like “Breathe,” “Chaos Party,” and “Body,” where I was able to celebrate the lessons those early pains taught me.

My proudest moments on this album occur in “Sunburn Fades,” “Skyline,” and “Sink;Swim.” I’m not quick to pat myself on the back, it’s actually really hard for me to do. But these songs allowed me to remember what it felt like to say exactly what I was feeling, and I’m proud of and grateful for that experience.