The physical restoration process of the 30 year-old synthesizer Julie Neway used to compose this album, parallels the emotional journey of friendship through the concept of “resurrection,” where something silent or broken is brought back to life through specific, intentional effort.  Just as the synthesizer required specialized parts from China, Japan and Bulgaria to function again, the early stages of friendship, such as “Thinking of You,” involve the hope and effort of seeking out a new connection.

The tension of the restoration is mirrored in the song “Just Say It” which represents a harsh, vulnerable turning point where the creator seeks confirmation that the friendship is mutual.  When that confirmation is received in “Yes,” the physical success of the instrument’s restoration transitions into the gratitude and shared experiences of “Thanks” and “Threads,” which encompass both virtual and in-person connections.

Finally, just as a physical object can be moved or lost, the journey concludes with “Bye” and “Tomorrow,” acknowledging that while a friendship may end or move away, the process of restoration leaves the creator enriched and hopeful for future connections.

Analogy: Restoring the synthesizer is like rebuilding a lighthouse with lenses from across the ocean; the struggle to find the right pieces eventually allows a light to shine that guides two people toward a shared shore.

Here is a comprehensive breakdown of the album’s story, which covers the 7-song cycle and the synthesizer’s restoration:

The Technical Foundation

The album was created using a 30-year-old resurrected synthesizer that had been non-functional until specialized replacement parts were sourced from China, Japan and Bulgaria. This physical restoration serves as the catalyst for the music’s emotional themes.

The Emotional Cycle (The 7 Songs)

The narrative of the album follows the birth, life, and conclusion of a friendship:

1. “Thinking of You”: A lighthearted and upbeat track that captures the initial hope and the simple thought of how nice it would be to have a specific person as a friend.  This beginning or birth is about the potential of a new connection.
2. “Just Say It”: A harsher song that introduces vulnerability; it represents a moment of tension where the composer seeks confirmation that the friendship is mutual.  This is the conflict.
3. “Yes”: The friend’s response, characterized as a very emphatic agreement, resolving the tension of the previous track.
4. “Thanks”: A piece centered on gratitude for the existence of the friendship.  This piece and the following Threads is the connection.
5. “Threads”: This track explores the shared experiences of the bond, encompassing both virtual interactions and in-person moments.
6. “Bye”: A farewell marking the point where the friend moves away.  This is the conclusion which ends the cycle.
7. “Tomorrow”: A reflective piece that concludes the album; it looks forward with hope that the future will bring new friendships to enrich the composer’s life.

The 7 songs also act like seven chapters in a short novel.  They begin with the curiosity of a first meeting, navigate the tension of shared honesty and eventually close the book with a thoughtful reflection on what was learned before starting a new story.