ABOUT
KNOTTED WOOD
Patrick McDaid
is not an artist.
At least that’s what he'll tell you.
Yet the evidence suggests otherwise, as McDaid and his band Knotted Wood’s debut album "Middle of Tomorrow" is now out there in the world and has — so far — been shockingly well-received.
—
For nearly 25 years, McDaid has retreated to his home studio between 8 and 9 PM, crafting songs from words that "just appear" to him during everyday moments – while driving for work, fishing, or spending time with family and friends. Despite meticulously recording and re-recording these compositions, collecting them on CDs under the moniker Luna Moth, McDaid has long resisted identifying as a songwriter.
"I feel like I have legal custody of most of these songs rather than ownership of them," McDaid reflects. "There's a lot of what I feel, but a lot more about what I observe."
Now at the edge of retirement from punching the clock, McDaid finds himself reconciling with his natural artistic identity through Knotted Wood, a collaboration with dAve Hollinghurst (renowned guitarist and engineer known for work with Nicole Atkins and Live Skull) and Alec Ferrell (guitarist, bassist, background vocalist and member of The All Things). The album, recorded at the prestigious Fidelitorium Recordings, features an intimate ensemble of musicians including Eric Willhelm (drums, percussion, and backup vocals) and neighbor Melissa Buriss (piano and keyboards), creating a rich sonic landscape for McDaid's storytelling.
"This album is a reflection of dreams—both the literal and the ones I've carried with me my whole life," says McDaid. "My music is about seeing the world through symbols and stories, and understanding how those visions connect us all. It's personal, yes, but also universal."
"Middle of Tomorrow" features songs drawn from the fabric of McDaid's experiences: "Stand Still" chronicles how he met his wife of 40 years, Terry; "Every Road" captures a traveling man's determination to return home to family; and "You Are Here" expresses his belief that "the dead are still with us" as long as we carry them in our hearts.
The title track serves as both a showcase for McDaid's cherished "Goldie" (his customized Epiphone Les Paul) and a powerful narrative about sudden absence and loss. Other tracks like "Leaves" demonstrate McDaid's gift for finding profound meaning in simple, everyday observations.
"This album is a reflection of dreams—both the literal and the ones I've carried with me my whole life," says McDaid. "My music is about seeing the world through symbols and stories, and understanding how those visions connect us all. It's personal, yes, but also universal."
"Middle of Tomorrow" features songs drawn from the fabric of McDaid's experiences: "Stand Still" chronicles how he met his wife of 40 years, Terry; "Every Road" captures a traveling man's determination to return home to family; and "You Are Here" expresses his belief that "the dead are still with us" as long as we carry them in our hearts.
The title track serves as both a showcase for McDaid's cherished "Goldie" (his customized Epiphone Les Paul) and a powerful narrative about sudden absence and loss. Other tracks like "Leaves" demonstrate McDaid's gift for finding profound meaning in simple, everyday observations.
For nearly 25 years, McDaid has retreated to his home studio between 8 and 9 PM, crafting songs from words that "just appear" to him during everyday moments – while driving for work, fishing, or spending time with family and friends. Despite meticulously recording and re-recording these compositions, collecting them on CDs under the moniker Luna Moth, McDaid has long resisted identifying as a songwriter.
"I feel like I have legal custody of most of these songs rather than ownership of them," McDaid reflects. "There's a lot of what I feel, but a lot more about what I observe."
Now at the edge of retirement from punching the clock, McDaid finds himself reconciling with his natural artistic identity through Knotted Wood, a collaboration with dAve Hollinghurst (renowned guitarist and engineer known for work with Nicole Atkins and Live Skull) and Alec Ferrell (guitarist, bassist, background vocalist and member of The All Things). The album, recorded at the prestigious Fidelitorium Recordings, features an intimate ensemble of musicians including Eric Willhelm (drums, percussion, and backup vocals) and neighbor Melissa Buriss (piano and keyboards), creating a rich sonic landscape for McDaid's storytelling.
"This album is a reflection of dreams—both the literal and the ones I've carried with me my whole life," says McDaid. "My music is about seeing the world through symbols and stories, and understanding how those visions connect us all. It's personal, yes, but also universal."
"Middle of Tomorrow" features songs drawn from the fabric of McDaid's experiences: "Stand Still" chronicles how he met his wife of 40 years, Terry; "Every Road" captures a traveling man's determination to return home to family; and "You Are Here" expresses his belief that "the dead are still with us" as long as we carry them in our hearts.
The title track serves as both a showcase for McDaid's cherished "Goldie" (his customized Epiphone Les Paul) and a powerful narrative about sudden absence and loss. Other tracks like "Leaves" demonstrate McDaid's gift for finding profound meaning in simple, everyday observations.
L–R:
John Alec Ferrell
Patrick McDaid
dAve hollinghurst
Eric Willhelm
photo by Eric Waters Photography
Ferrell, who brought the band together, describes the project as “pretty much a true alignment of time & space to help my buddy’s songs be the best they could be, both on and for record. These things live on after we shuffle off. Go all the way. Aim for the White Album on your debut. And turn up the bass.”
Created by uniting old friends with rich musical backgrounds. Far from viewing his 70s as a time to slow down, this album represents McDaid's acknowledgment of the artistic identity that has always been present in his life of action.
"There's no retirement plan for me," McDaid says. "I'm just getting started."
About Knotted Wood:
Formed by McDaid and Ferrell, Knotted Wood brings together exceptional talents from the indie music scene. Alongside McDaid's insightful storytelling and vocals, the core band features the rich guitar work and vocals of dAve Hollinghurst and the versatile talents of Alec Ferrell. The album's sound is enhanced by Eric Willhelm on drums, percussion, and backup vocals, with Melissa Burriss bringing depth and color through her piano and keyboard work.