STORY
When I was recording a cover of “Circles” by Mac Miller for my friend Alanna, she insisted that I sing on it with her. Out of my comfort zone, I agreed!
It’s the rare type of experience when your eyes fill up with tears from the music you just made. The original song itself is quite emotional. With everything that’s going on, the ups and downs that come with doing music, and struggles with sadness, this felt like the perfect song to cover. I felt connected to Mac Miller when I was singing his lyrics.
We were so happy with what we did that I continued to produce the track, determined to release it, replaying the instruments with the help of my friend Brian Ross on bass, the main instrument of the song. I played the vibraphone sound and the light cymbal using Ableton. Musician and engineer Graham Stone added the faint acoustic guitar, the synth part that comes in the intro. Graham also mixed the song. The track was mastered by Ian Stewart (Flotown Mastering). It was a true collaboration.
This song was made from beginning to end in my hometown in The Berkshires, MA.
This was an opportunity to use my artist platform to feature Alanna, to sing, and to honor Mac Miller.
lyrics
Stumblin’ around, you’ve been guessin’ your direction
Next step you can’t see at all
And I don’t have a name, I don’t have a name, no
Who am I to blame, who am I to blame though?
And I cannot be changed, I cannot be changed, no
Trust me, I’ve tried
I just end up right at the start of the line
Drawin’ circles
Well I drink my whiskey, you sip your wine
Went through a wall, sittin’,
Watchin’ the world falling down its decline
And I can keep you safe, I can keep you safe
Do not be afraid, do not be afraid
You’re feelin’ sorry, I’m feelin’ fine
Don’t you put any more stress on yourself
It’s one day at a time
It’s gettin’ pretty late, gettin’ pretty late
And I find it goes around like the hands that keep countin’ the time
Drawin’ circles
credits
released May 24, 2024
Circles Credits
Cover of “Circles” by Mac Miller
Original composer: Malcolm James McCormick
Lead vocals: Jackson Whalan and Alanna Sinclair
Acoustic guitar: Graham Stone
Bass guitar: Brian Ross
Keyboards: Gram Stone and Jackson Whalan
Mixing Engineer: Graham Stone
Mastering Engineer: Ian Stewart
