For the final installment of this year’s “Songs From the Ballroom” series I’m sending you exclusive alternate versions of two songs that will be on my new album, to be released in the spring. This album has given me the chance to make my own personal and intimate musical statement after several years of crazy, fun and sometimes very beautiful collaborations. I can’t wait for you to hear what I’ve done.

I’m happy to announce that the 7-inch vinyl of “Disappearing” is now available to purchase from my store! These limited edition copies are autographed and have a b-side of my version of Neil Young’s “Out On the Weekend” (this track is only available on the 7-inch release). I also illustrated the front and back cover of the sleeve.

Friends and Fans: My single “Disappearing” is available for purchase online TODAY November 5th!! I’ve also illustrated my own lyric video for the song that you can watch here: http://bit.ly/1anvfdc   Pretty cool eh?

To purchase on iTunes click here: http://bit.ly/1bcdaME
To purchase on Amazon click here: http://amzn.to/Jj01LV

“Disappearing” feels like the perfect introduction to my upcoming album. After these past years of intensive collaboration, I wanted to hear what the music in my own head sounded like. So I went into hiding for several months and emerged with the most lonesome and personal-sounding music that I’ve made in a long time. I can’t wait for you to hear the full record, which will be released in the spring.  

This week’s “Song From The Ballroom” is a video of a live version of a song of mine, “Your Brighter Days,” which will be on my upcoming album. The video was recorded at one of my “Words & Music by Dan Wilson” shows at Room 5 in LA. These shows give me the opportunity to play songs, talk about songwriting, and to tell stories about what motivates me as an artist, what inspires me, and what keeps me going.

You’ll get two versions of the video. For those of you who want to jump straight to the music with no spoken introduction, there’s the version on the left side of the video page. Those who want to hear the story of how I was inspired to write the song can watch the “Words & Music” version on the right.

Anyone can watch this video for free by joining my emailing list (Please see link at lower left to sign up). “Songs From the Ballroom” is a series of free unreleased tracks, demos, live versions and rarities just for fans on my e-mail list. It’s been going for awhile now, and I think we’ll keep it going for a few more months at least. I hope you enjoy it.

This week’s free “Song From The Ballroom” is “I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry”. This song by Hank Williams is one of my very favorites ever, and righteous proof of Hank Williams’ front-row seat in the songwriters’ pantheon. When I recorded it, I was playing the piano every day, mostly jazz standards from the 50s and 60s, trying to immerse myself in that classic songbook vibe. Thus the dissonances and explorations that go further afield with every verse. I’ve often thought it would be interesting to get really good at the piano and do a tour of songs like this – country meets jazz, or whatever it is. Maybe it still can happen.

Anyone can receive this track for free for the next couple of weeks by joining my emailing list (Please see link at lower left to sign up). “Songs From the Ballroom” is a series of free unreleased tracks, demos, live versions and rarities just for fans on my e-mail list. It’s been going for awhile now, and I think we’ll keep it going for a few more months at least. I hope you enjoy it.

British singer/pianist (and now guitarist) Birdy and I wrote a batch of songs together for her upcoming album, including this one, “All You Never Say.” I love her voice and her ideas and you’ll see why when you listen to this track. The album is jam-packed with great songs, by the way.