Meaning: This quote by Leo Kottke, a renowned American acoustic guitarist and singer-songwriter, reflects his experience with the pressure to release albums at a rapid pace due to contractual obligations. Kottke's comment sheds light on the challenges and frustrations he faced in meeting the demands imposed by his record label, Capital, while also maintaining the quality and authenticity of his music.

In this quote, Kottke mentions being required by Capital to release an album every six months. This highlights the commercial pressures that artists often face within the music industry, where record labels set strict timelines for album releases in order to capitalize on an artist's popularity and maintain a consistent revenue stream. For Kottke, who was known for his intricate fingerpicking style and distinctive approach to the guitar, the demand for such frequent releases likely posed a significant challenge, as it can take considerable time and creative energy to produce a cohesive and meaningful body of work.

Moreover, Kottke candidly admits that the pace set by his label was faster than what he could feasibly accomplish while juggling his intensive touring schedule. The quote suggests that Kottke's commitments to live performances and touring engagements limited the amount of time he could dedicate to the songwriting, recording, and production process for each album. As a result, he found himself falling short of the label's expectations, with the fastest turnaround he could manage being an album release every nine months.

The phrase "it would spook me every time" captures the anxiety and apprehension Kottke experienced in relation to this demanding schedule. The word "spook" conveys a sense of unease or disquiet, indicating that the pressure to meet the label's deadlines weighed heavily on him and caused him distress. This emotional response reflects the toll that such contractual obligations can take on an artist, as they navigate the tension between commercial imperatives and the desire to create music on their own terms.

Furthermore, Kottke expresses his reluctance to resort to recording cover songs as a solution to the time constraints he faced. This sentiment underscores his commitment to originality and artistic integrity, as he resisted the idea of compromising his creative vision in order to expedite the album production process. Kottke's aversion to doing covers reflects his dedication to crafting music that is deeply personal and reflective of his distinctive style, rather than succumbing to expedient shortcuts in response to external pressures.

In essence, Kottke's quote encapsulates the complex dynamics that often define the relationship between artists and record labels. It sheds light on the tensions that can arise when artistic expression intersects with the commercial imperatives of the music industry, illustrating the challenges faced by musicians in navigating these competing demands. Kottke's candid reflection offers valuable insight into the internal struggles and external pressures that shape the creative process for artists working within the constraints of the music business.

In conclusion, Leo Kottke's quote serves as a poignant reflection on the challenges and compromises that can arise when artists are subject to the demands of the music industry. It provides a glimpse into the tension between artistic autonomy and commercial expectations, as well as the emotional impact of navigating these pressures. Kottke's candid commentary offers a compelling perspective on the complexities of the music industry and the creative struggles faced by artists striving to uphold their artistic vision amidst external constraints.