Schuyler Kitchin: Yes, these are the first songs I've written-I've enjoyed creative writing for quite a while, most often poetry. Some of the songs on solstice were adaptations of poems I'd written, but I'd never tried to write full-on songs with lyrics and music before.

Schuyler: I performed a lot of it, but it was a really collaborative project. I work as a chaplain at Berklee College of Music, so I invited a lot of students in to help with parts, as well as friends or connections of mine or of others involved. A ton of talented people, so it was great to work together! But besides myself, the two people most involved in the whole process were my producer, Daniel Tavani, who recorded, arranged, mixed, mastered, and performed on the album, and one of my students, Abraham López Díaz, who did a number of arrangements and some performing on the album.

Schuyler: You have no idea how much of a compliment that is! I don't know Make Sure, but JVD is a HUGE influence for me both personally and musically. I love all of his projects but also just really admire his perspective and the way he goes about music. Some other key influences for me are Tyson Motsenbocker (who gave really helpful feedback for "north of boston" as part of a songwriting course he offered; I really appreciate his storytelling), Matt Theissen (of Relient k; his lyrical cleverness and his commitment to writing music just past his talent level so he has to grow), Simon & Garfunkel (harmonies and experimental style), Jon Foreman (themes and lyrics), and Manchester Orchestra/Andy Hull (full albums telling a story). In addition, I think some sonic influences besides these that showed up in solstice are Pink Floyd, Radiohead, and early Coldplay.

Schuyler: I'm part of my producer's label, Immensity Records, which is independent, so I guess both ha. I like having the freedom to focus on my main work, which is ministry at Berklee, but having music as a way to get to know students better and as a creative outlet for myself has been awesome. I feel able to go at my own pace and to have a lot of say in the artistic vision in every step in my current set-up.

Schuyler: There are three overlapping themes that develop over the course of the album: winter/spring, death/life, darkness/light. The album came out of a painful season in my life, and my experiences of the seasons in New England helped me see these themes and process my experience. Winter is this season of latency when the sun sets at 4pm (at least in Boston)-it's easy to associate it with darkness and death. But the contrast when spring arrives is so refreshing! However, I think the main takeaway of the album is that hope is present not just in the transition into spring/light/life but throughout the whole process-Jesus is not constrained to lighter times and spaces; he is with us even in the hardest times to endure.

Schuyler: I think "surgery" gives a pretty good taste: it has angst mingled with hope, both sonically and lyrically. I also think the lyrics show my style a lot-I like to turn a phrase. I think "gerasene" is also a good look at who I am. I co-wrote the music for that one with another student, Zach Abel, who performs 95% of the gorgeous guitars on that track. I'm really proud of how that song came out-it's the kind of song I want to listen to-and think it probably communicates my interior world most clearly on the album.

Schuyler: For sure! I plan on be doing an East Coast tour in late June (New Haven, Philly, Baltimore, Charlottesville, Pittsburgh, Boston). And I tend to do a couple random Boston area shows.

Schuyler: I have instagram (@schuyler.kitchin), which has a post for each song, including a story about it and credits for who all was involved. I'm also on bandcamp, where you can find the music and some merch!

Schuyler: Thank you for listening! This music is my little match in the darkness-you're not alone there!