Dualisms
a multimedia album
Preorder today. Officially releases on 7/3.
20% of all revenue will go to the Detroit Justice Center, a non-profit law firm working alongside communities to create economic opportunities, transform the justice system, and promote equitable and just cities. So far we've raised almost $100 for them... let's keep it up!
Just like time, I need three things from you
First:
check out the new video, We Shake With Grief on YouTube! Click below to see it now. Just like its counterpart We Shake With Joy, this features Kaleigh Wilder on Baritone saxophone.
We shake with joy
We shake with grief
What a time these two have, housed as they are in the same body
-Mary Oliver
When I read this beautiful poem in the summer of 2019, it immediately arrested my attention. I was drawn to its inherent contradiction — the idea that we can be simultaneously full of joy and full of grief. Furthermore, the poem seems to assert that that contradiction is not only possible, but necessary: that living this contradiction is an integral component of the human experience. With Two Devotions, I sought to write a piece that captured these two opposing dispositions.
Second:
Preorder the album on Bandcamp!
If you've preordered already, thank you so much.
If you haven't had the chance yet, that's okay! There are still great merch options available.
I'd like to draw your attention particularly to these posters created by Zara Teicher. These five prints are all made from hand-cut linocuts that she created based on discussions that we had about the music.
Together, we built a myth-world that draws on the themes in the music. You'll see the playing card motif, clearly drawing from the use of cards in "Five Card Draw." But also notice that the two portrait cards are of "Queen" Mary Oliver and "King" Marvin Gaye (more on Marvin Gaye's relationship to this project next week.) And if you look even closer, you'll notice the suits -- a feather, a mati, a sacred heart, an ouroboros -- replace the traditional suits. There are other details that link these pieces of art together... look closely and see what you can find.
She's hand-printing a limited run of posters for this release. The artwork is 8” x 10” on 14” x 16” sized archival quality paper. Each print will vary slightly due to the nature of the printing process. Each poster will truly be one of a kind. Check them out at the link above -- they are really special.
Third:
Presave on Spotify!
If you use Spotify, you'll have this album delivered to you the moment it's released on July 3. Even if you purchase the album on Bandcamp, do this too -- it helps a lot.
And if you can't afford to buy the album, that's okay -- listen on Spotify for free! I give you permission!
Lastly,
Thank you again for your continued support. It means the world for me. I hope you're staying healthy and safe!
Sincerely,
Michael