CREDIT: MAYA BANKOVIC

I write about random things a lot. I write a lot about random things. There are few musicians in the world who haven't dabbled in home recording in pursuit of their dream, from rehearsal space PA boards to computer laptop software and extensions. Many artists find the method to be too insulated, the result too restrictive, but they would have a hard time convincing Dan Griffin away from the medium.

Though you may not realize it, you're probably familiar with Griffin through his work in the Hamilton music community over the past decade, particularly with a little upstart rock outfit called Arkells. A multi-instrumentalist, Griffin has been a big factor in their recordings, and has had his hand in writing, arranging and even producing music over the course of the band's JUNO-decorated career to date.

Griffin returns to London in support of his EP Bordertown — released at the end of August on his own Ragg Wool Records — in concert on November 7 at the APK.

Though he's made his home in Windsor since 2011, since roughly the same time as stepping back from the band to focus on continuing his studies, his solo recording career dates back to 2004/05, years before Arkells became a reality.

“I had been working on music on my own, as well as working with other people in the community, that's kind of how we all met,” Griffin reflected. “Max (Kerman) and I immediately connected; we both really admired each other and respected what each other were doing back before the band even started.”

Griffin's commitment to the music and his bandmates led him to place his solo recording projects on hold, despite the 2006 release of his first record Stars And Satellites. Some of the material on that album was re-recorded and appeared on his 2011 full-length album Leave Your Love.

“When [Arkells] got busy, this solo stuff became a kind of ‘when I have time' thing,” he said. “I had been working on material between shows on tour, whenever I had the chance, playing odd shows here and there ... it's been a continuous process, both in and out of the band. It's always been something that has been important to me to keep up, whenever I have a moment.”

His time away from the band has seen him return to his roots; although armed with new experiences and informed by two acclaimed rock records, Griffin reverted to a simpler style of recording using equipment he's been collecting since around 2005.

“Arkells were definitely a result of collaboration,” he said, offering a modest comparison. “That's one of the best parts about being in a band, getting to bounce ideas off of a bunch of people you really respect. When it comes to my own music, it gets interesting because it's such a different dynamic — the challenge is trying to keep perspective and keep confident in what you're doing, which is hard when you don't have a bunch of guys rooting you on.”

“I probably worry about it more than anybody,” Griffin admitted, describing his recording setup as bare-boned. “I wanted to record it with the limited resources I had, but I also didn't want it to feel and sound like a home recording, I wanted to expand on that style I tried to develop early on, try to update it and reflect where I am now.”

However insulated the environment, Griffin has produced a remarkable record. Though the EP only runs for five songs, the subtle textures and organic pacing of the album display a certain patience and maturity that complement the simple nature of the album, lending an unmistakable comprehensiveness to an EP that was able to form and grow organically.

“Ultimately, good songs are good songs. I think if you stick to that concept, it's a better guide than anything else,” Griffin said. “As a writer and musician, you're constantly trying to find new ways to get yourself excited about making music, and for me that's about listening to great music and trying to find ways that it fits into your identity. And the hope is when you look back, you see a constant thread that connects your work in a way that goes beyond how it sounds or looks.”

For more information on Dan Griffin, his recent Bordertown EP and current tour, visit dangriffin.ca or follow along on Twitter @dangriffinmusic. Griffin performs in London on November 7 at the APK; tickets are $12 in advance or $15 at the club. Doors open at 8 p.m.

And for more on the latest music news, album releases and upcoming shows, consider following this column on Twitter @fsu_bobbyisms. Don't forget to visit fsu.ca/events and stay on top of the great music we have coming through Fanshawe, I'm out of words.