Brave Tiger Records

It Will Still Keep Feeling Rough is a digital diary turned into a triumphant debut. Born from a period of unmoored grief following the sudden passing of Thayer’s father, the record captures the sound of a musician finding his voice in the basement of a Medford home.

The Genesis

What began as snippets of music recorded without motive—a way to keep hands and thoughts busy in the wake of loss—evolved into a 12-track exploration of transformation. Inspired by Rick Rubin’s The Creative Act, Thayer leaned into a process with no rules and no pre-conceptions, letting the work drive the work.

Collaboration & Provenance

While the heart of the record was captured in isolation, bringing it to completion required a “Direct Handshake” with a trusted circle of collaborators:

• Production Support: Bradford Swanson provided the critical ear and co-production insight needed to validate the path.
• The Foundation: Jason Smith (drums) provided the genuine, inventive foundation for all twelve tracks, captured in a single 8-hour session at 1357 Recording Studio with engineer Monte Arnstam.
• The Mix: Mark Alan Miller brought the tracks to Radio Valkyrie, applying a raw, powerful focus that captured the emotional drive of the record.
• The Final Polish: Jonathan Wyner at M-Works Mastering applied the final clarity and attitude, preparing these basement recordings for the world.

The Statement

“To me, this is more than just an album; it’s a record of loss, transformation, and the search for meaning. It’s the story of finding my own voice, my own way of making music for myself and by myself in the midst of chaos.” — Joshua David Thayer, 2024