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Twenty three years in the making - I could not be prouder of this recording. It was well worth keeping the takes and revisiting it after all this time. 'Spokes...' was a response to coming through the darkest times of personal mental anguish, following my complete breakdown in 1997. At that time mental health was still a taboo topic, especially amongst men. Stigma in services and amongst the public has somewhat eased with the passing time, but not much in practice. I hope this album will encourage broader honesty, empathy and resonance, if nothing else.

I now regard that period as a breakthrough, as it woke me up to being honest about my whole life experience and reconstructing (from absolutely nothing) what my life could become. Writing four books; a lot of campaign, support and teaching work alongside mental health professionals; and meeting other astonishing and inspiring people enduring the toughest struggles; delayed this release, but contributed not just to the theme but the album's content and quality. Sonically - it uses extreme frequencies to trigger physiological and environmental responses, but fear not - sub bass, ambient and harmonic distortion and feedback is your friend, along with a few laughs.

My inestimable gratitude to the participating members of Manic Depression Alliance, Burnley 2005, who gave permission for me to record a unique impromptu 2-hour discussion, where i posed the question - "do you have to love yourself to be loved?" If your mind is set on the answer, give these guys a whirl first; the results are poignant, non-preachy and sometimes hilarious. You'll find samples on 'Stronger,' 'Dig' and 'Unlovable.'

Immeasurable thanks also to professional actress Gilly Daniels & the inimitable unknown Jayne Parrington who both winged it taking on the roles of mother and daughter in the improvised single take - 'People Like That' recorded on location, Clitheroe, Lancashire. Accompanied only by bass and a touch of harmonic guitar distortion. This discussion also unearthed gems of subtle paradox and humour. Still gives me chills to have captured such an outstanding private performance.

Heartfelt appreciation for the vocals of Louise (recorded at Contact and Greenroom theatres, Manchester, 2003) on 'Fireworks;' and Lucy (recorded Haslingden, 2006) on 'Died Before.' (Sincere apologies for losing your contact details and surnames).

Thanks also to some outstanding memorable performances directed by Paul Thomas Anderson in his movie 'Magnolia' also on 'Unlovable.'

And finally to Keith Rodway (Column 258 / Necessary Animals / Anthony Moore) & Amanda Louise Thompson (The Big Believe / Necessary Animals / Anthony Moore) for vocal recording, critique and art advice. "...a tremendous achievement. I'm Stuck for superlatives. Wonderful production with such subtle touches. You're the South Coast Scott Walker." KR

All instruments, poetry, location / studio recordings & mastering - Kendal Eaton