Hiber Nation is the second full length solo album by Pete Mac. Recorded over the space of 3 years from 2020 to 2023 with many tracks written over the COVID-19 lockdown and inspired by its isolation. The album title Hiber Nation came from the idea of society becoming a recluse and being forced to hibernate during this strange period while not being equipped to function as before when emerging out the other side as a result of this hibernation.
Most of the album was self recorded and produced at home except for tracks ‘Disappear’ and ‘Escape’ which were recorded at Wavefield Recording Studios, Clonakilty, West Cork and produced by Brian Casey. Pete Mac played most instruments on the album with the addition of Cello which was a new instrument and learning curve taken up in 2020 and something that has always been on his musical radar.
Pete also collaborated with many artists on this album including iconic US/French singer Lisa Papinieau who contributed guest vocals on ‘Escape’ which was recorded long distance from the US. Other artists include Mary Moore who played piano on ‘Alien Skin’ and ‘Surrender’, MSea who added vocals on ‘Less I Have’ and ‘Hibernate’, JMac who added vocals to ‘Hibernate’ and Brian Casey who played piano on tracks ‘Voiceless’ and ‘Mother Nature’s Revenge’. Peter O’Sullivan also played drums on tracks ‘Disappear’ and ‘Escape’.
‘Hiber Nation’ follows a different direction to most of Pete’s previous music from his band Paradox to his last solo album. Many songs have a personal meaning and take a critical view on much of today’s society from animal rights issues on ‘Voiceless’ to the state of the natural world on ‘Mother Nature’s Revenge’. It’s been nearly 14 years since his last original solo album ‘In Limbo’ was released back in 2009. With the Paradox discography included this will be Pete Mac’s 7th album release to date.
Listen to it below:
