As I am still learning how to use Beehiiv, I’m not sure how you’ll see the image I’ve attached. We’ll find out together. But how can you be constantly full of rage at the state of the world when we’re surrounded by THAT? October brought in one of the most magical views I’ve had yet in this little home of ours. Living my Shire fantasy.
I love getting a bird’s eye view of the Earth preparing herself for winter slumber. It’s like she’s slowly pulling up a big heavyweight down-filled duvet, setting a cup of tea on the bedside table, not moving her eyes from the novel she’s deeply engrossed in.
As much as I’ve tried to fool myself, I am, and will remain, an Autumn/Winter person. These seasons give me a free ticket to stay huddled down at my little work station. After months of loose ends, things are dovetailing, and I’m finding my path, strewn with golden leaves which is just how I prefer it to be. Friends who are contributing to my new music are finishing up their parts, new album and side covers project included. I’ll share the link to my modest Soundcloud, which will house the cover songs as Bandcamp has a no covers rule (which apparently only applies to independent artists with no large platform). Go here, share widely please!
Paul Schmold really sped up the process with the cover songs as he works incredibly fast (and is a massive REM fan, so I lucked out there). There are three more coming to the project in various states (figuratively AND literally, come to think of it). It’s been nice to attempt to become a better performer using the costumes of others’ songs.
As to my own songs, album 5, ‘The Compassion Dial,’ is allllllmost complete. The final song to be completed is in the hands of musicians who are going above and beyond marching orders. I’m excited to hear what they’ve done. Once that song is locked down, I will survey the running order, make the final decision on the one song that keeps jumping around in the tracklist, then send it off to be mastered. I’m going to crowdfund a physical copy with extra bonuses, and figure out a live show with slight configurations as the new songs have a lot of moving parts. I wish I had a hologram to perform these songs like Gorillaz or ABBA. The album, with time behind it, and a form in place, is a look at anxiety, the tight space of a panic attack, the grace in being kind to yourself, forgiveness. There also might be a little character study or two. ‘Pain and suffering in various tempos.’ Kidding. OR AM I?
I really just wanted to share a little from this Misty Mountain that wasn’t stemming from rage. I always feel a swath of imposter syndrome when I talk about my work, but I’ve worked hard, as has everyone involved, and I’m proud to add to the well from which I’ve taken so much. I’m taking my rage to a rally to support Public School Teachers this Sunday. If you’re in town, I hope you make the effort to show up for a little bit. These are transitory times, and there are those who don’t want to admit crushing voices and forcing everyone to bend a knee at the cross of their avarice is not the way.
Making something is the way. Empathy is the way. Looking out on that view in that photo and seeing the world for what it really is is the way. Right?
Thanks for reading. xoc.