For a record titled The Sound of Yourself, the irony in having many contributions from friends near and far is not lost on Mac McCaughan: “I’m constantly inspired by the work of my peers. I feel lucky to be able to collaborate with them despite the distances between us. Sending off a song into the ether and having it returned greatly improved and in often surprising and moving ways was one of the most satisfying aspects of making this record.”

On his latest single, The Sound of Yourself’s dreamy Side 1 closer “Burn a Fax,” McCaughan labelmates Mackenzie Scott of TORRES and Matt Douglas of the Mountain Goats join the Superchunk frontman.

Here’s McCaughan on “Burn a Fax”:

The opening line was inspired by a Brian Eno quote from a BBC doc where they’re playing him Roxy Music and he’s putting his hands over his ears going, “I can’t bear remembering” or something. It’s not that he hates it, it’s just that “it’s all in the past.” I think a lot about the power of nostalgia and fighting it at the same time… Mackenzie Scott sings the second verse and Matt Douglas of the Mountain Goats destroys on the sax. He sent three tracks “to choose from,” but of course I had to use them all!

In case you missed them, check out singles “Dawn Bends” (featuring Yo La Tengo and Jon Wurster) and “Circling Around” (featuring Michael Benjamin Lerner from Telekinesis). Pre-order The Sound of Yourself today on CD, LP, and pink & orange swirl Peak Vinyl in the Merge store, and bundle it with the stylish official tote bag. McCaughan hits the road in solo and full-band formation later this month; get your tickets today!

Mac McCaughan on tour:
Sep 23 Wilmington, DE – The Queen* [SOLD OUT]
Sep 24 Holyoke, MA – Gateway City Arts Center* [SOLD OUT]
Sep 25 Woodstock, NY – Levon Helm Studios* [SOLD OUT]
Sep 26 Bethlehem, PA – Musikfest Cafe at the ArtsQuest* [SOLD OUT]
Sep 28 Brooklyn, NY – Union Pool^
Sep 29 Philadelphia, PA – Johnny Brenda’s^
Sep 30 Washington, DC – DC9^
Oct 01 Richmond, VA – Richmond Music Hall^
Oct 02 Carrboro, NC – Cat’s Cradle Back Room^
* solo performance w/ John Darnielle (the Mountain Goats)
^ full-band performance w/ 75 Dollar Bill