The Genesis
In 2023, a series of losses left Joshua David Thayer unmoored. The hardest to accept was the sudden passing of his father — the day they were supposed to meet, they had spoken the night before, made plans for dinner afterward, and ended the call with “see you there.”
The next morning, he was gone.
In the aftermath, Thayer found himself in the basement, picking up instruments and pressing record — not with any plan, but with something to do with his hands and thoughts. What began as a digital diary of grief slowly became something else.
The Record
Recorded almost entirely alone in his Medford, MA basement, Thayer performed guitars, bass, synthesizers, mandolin, banjo, ukulele, keyboards, and vocals across all twelve tracks. Drummer Jason Smith recorded at 1357 Recording Studio in Greenfield, MA, engineered by Monte Arnstam. Mixing by Mark Alan Miller at Radio Valkyrie in Easthampton, MA. Mastering by Jonathan Wyner at M-Works Mastering in Somerville, MA.
Credits
Produced by Joshua David Thayer and Bradford Swanson. Drums performed by Jason Smith. Recorded by Monte Arnstam. Mixed by Mark Alan Miller. Mastered by Jonathan Wyner.
"Joshua David Thayer absolutely shines with debut solo album It Will Still Keep Feeling Rough... a musical treasure trove filled with well crafted songs that touch both the heart and soul."— The Whole Kameese
"I never expected that I would be adding my voice to the material — until I tried, and got through one song, and kind of just realized that the songs wanted that."— The Valley Advocate
"It's an insightful look at an artist discovering himself channeling difficulty and turmoil into creativity."— Nine Volt Heart
"The result is a dozen robust songs that reflect the title of the album: they are searching, sorrowful and sometimes bewildered as Thayer threads his way through a landscape of loss."— Freak Scene
"It Will Still Keep Feeling Rough is at its core a triumphant album. When he was feeling his roughest, Thayer sought solace in music — and after 35 years in a supporting role, found that he's more than capable of stepping out front."— The Recorder