James Samimi Farr, performing as Daguerreotypes, will celebrate the release of his debut double album 'This is My Way to Tell You That Everything Is Real and Happening Right Now' with a performance at the Blacksheep Inn on December 28. The album explores themes of life in art and personal growth, recorded using vintage cassette and reel-to-reel technology. Raised in the Gatineau Hills, Samimi Farr draws inspiration from his Québec roots for this deeply personal project.
Album Overview
James Samimi Farr's solo project, Daguerreotypes, is set to release its debut album, a ambitious double record titled This is My Way to Tell You That Everything Is Real and Happening Right Now. Described by the artist as a cohesive work rather than a collection of songs, the album delves into themes of maintaining a healthy relationship with music as both creator and listener. "It's really an album," Samimi Farr says. "There's a lot of thought put into the sequencing, the connective tissue between the songs."
Recording Process
The album was recorded over nine days in the Pontiac region of Québec with producer Charles James, using old-school TASCAM cassette decks and reel-to-reel technology. This approach imposed constructive limitations, contrasting with modern recording's infinite options. "One of the advantages of doing it with these machines is that there's constructive limitations being placed on the recording experience that are ultimately quite rewarding," Samimi Farr explains. The project took several years to finalize, with songs emerging rapidly in recent times.
Personal Background
Born in 1989 in Chelsea, Québec, Samimi Farr grew up in a 1890s house in the Gatineau Hills, which profoundly shaped his artistic development. Early in his career, he balanced music with aspirations for family and stability, navigating the challenges of the industry. "Negotiating that tension is pretty challenging, because it can be a punishing environment for a lot of musicians and artists," he notes. A recent shift allowed higher-quality songs to pour out, leading to this release.
Release Event
The album launch is scheduled for December 28 at the Blacksheep Inn in Wakefield, QC, a venue tied to Samimi Farr's personal history. "I love that place. The Blacksheep Inn is directly on the Gatineau River, and one of my songs is about growing up there," he says. Tickets are available online, and the album can be pre-ordered via Daguerreotypes' Instagram.
