By Denny Dyroff, Staff Writer, The Times
David Ramirez
Sometimes you have to go places, even when you’re not going anywhere — like David Ramirez.
On October 15, Ramirez will bring his “We’re Not Going Anywhere Tour” to Boot and Saddle (1131 South Broad Street, Philadelphia, 215-639-4528, www.bootandsaddlephilly.com).
The tour shares its name with Ramirez’ new album.
On September 8, the Austin-based songwriter released “We’ re Not Going Anywhere,” which was the follow up to his 2015 breakthrough record “Fables” and second in partnership with Thirty Tigers.
“I started writing the songs last year,” said Ramirez, during a phone interview Tuesday from a tour stop in Washington, D.C. “Most were written when I was on tour in the fall.
“I didn’t really sense a theme. The only thing I knew about the record was the way I wanted it to sound. I wanted to go to the ’80’s with a lot of synth-pop sounds.
“I had a formula for making Americana records and I got bored – very bored. In the past, it was – here’s a collection of songs. Let’s put bass, drums and banjo on. This time, I wanted to experiment and take risks.”
For “We’re Not Going Anywhere,” Ramirez partnered with producer Sam Kassirer, who has helmed albums by Josh Ritter, Lake Street Dive, Bhi Bhiman, and many other artists.
In January 2017 Ramirez and his band decamped to the Great North Sound Society, an 18th-century farmhouse in rural Maine that serves as Kassirer’s studio.
“I had a lot of confidence in Sam,” said Ramirez. “This was probably the least challenging album I’ve ever done. We went to Parson’s Field, Maine and recorded it at Great North Sound Society.
“We lived in the studio and just crashed there. It was chill. We were there for two-and-a-half weeks. I actually went up four days prior to do a little pre-production. It was super-pleasant the whole time.
“When it was all done, I did see a thematic thread. The record looks at all the things in life we go through before death knocks on the door.”
On the 10 songs on “We’re Not Going Anywhere,” Ramirez takes in the world from his unique perspective.
According to Ramirez, “Being half-white and half-Mexican has made this current political climate especially interesting. So many cultures in this country are being viewed as un-American and it breaks my heart.
“My family have raised children here, created successful businesses here, and are proud to be a part of this country. Most of what I’ve seen as of late is misplaced fear. I wanted to write about that fear and how, instead of benefiting us, it sends us spiraling out control.”
Video link for David Ramirez – https://youtu.be/GAQrQeqEN2k.
The show, which has Molly Parden as the opener, will start at 8:30 p.m. Tickets are $15.
