I’m going to be honest, it feels bizarre to be writing this newsletter again. It’s been over a year since my last entry, but something about the new calendar cycle was pulling me back in. Maybe it’s the upcoming EP I am about to release (more on that below) or the fact that I have felt stuck for a great deal of time, but something clicked within me to start these writings once more.
I’ve missed the ability to write outside the confines of a caption, to spew the inner workings of my heart, diving in the the deepest parts of what I create and how I can tell you all about it in a way that doesn’t feel artificial. So…here we are once again, I have a freshly made latte at my side, there is a newly formed sheet of ice over the midwestern’s recent winter storm and I am typing the words you see.
2023 was an incredible blessing, pushing me in ways I could have only dreamed about in my youth. Among many smaller highlights; a new musical project was finished, I was awarded a grant from Chicago’s Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events, and was able to visit my home country for the first time in more than 5 years. But the start of 2024 has had me reflecting on all the things that still leave a sense of emptiness within me. I’ve never had a satiable sense of achievement, and constantly have this tug that’s telling me to do more, write more, contribute and create above the means I’ve already put out. Perhaps that is the human condition, when we’re able to recognize all the possible things we ~could become while simultaneously coming to terms with the things we are not. These feelings have nudged me into writing to you all again, perhaps it will alleviate these emotions and strike inspiration.
The most grandiose thing I could possibly tell you is that new music ~IS~ on the way, and very soon at that. I spent August 2022-June 2023 in the studio, creating what is my most personal project to date. I was in a period of reflection similar to the one that restarted this newsletter; it had me thinking about all the different versions of myself that had existed and would come to existence soon. This period of reinvention seemed to mirror the natural world, and was somewhat universal to what most people experience in their life. The result is a 6 track concept EP that follows our emotions through change.
It’s no secret that depression and anxiety riddle our society, especially one that is ruled by capitalism and productivity. There’s this universal numbing feeling, one that creeps up when things feel stale and prompts us to ask “is this what my life is going to be like forever?” This period of recognizing is always an important one. You can’t change how you live your life if there isn’t a notion of something being off. The cult of mindfulness may often be laughable, but there is true power in an inner dialogue and reflection.
At this time of life, I was asking myself that question, wondering “is this all I’ll continue to do until death?” Find joy, get bored, reinvent and repeat. That cycle continues on like the seasons, and is a central theme to my upcoming EP. The time has not yet come to share further information about this project, but know that it’ll be out within the first half of this year. I’ll be writing about the first release in my next letter so keep an eye out for my next letter to make sure you’re up to date when it’s out!
If you’re eager to hear more of this project before it’s released, my first show of the year is Friday, February 2nd at the Hideout. I’ll be supporting touring act Friend of a Friend as they promote their new record. Their lead singer, Claire, has an evocative and effortless vocal delivery and their music is packed with lush textures that allow you to explore emotions. Needless to say, it’ll be an ethereal evening and I hope to see you there if you can make it!
Before I conclude this letter, I would like to leave a few listening recommendations!
Altin Gün is a Turkish psychedelic rock band that’s revived Anatolian folk. The electric baglama and duduk decorate their songs that sound both out of the 70’s and incredibly fresh, expressively performed by both of the band’s vocalists. Turkish music has many similarities to Greek music, sharing cultural aspects from Ottoman rule, so there’s something about the percussion, rhythms and melodies that feel like home to me. ANY of their five albums are worth your time, but I’d start with Aşk, their most recent release, which has the most ambitious production of their work to date.
I recently discovered Tamta, a Georgian born Greek pop artist. Her latest album, Identity Crisis, has dark pop elements that herald early Lady Gaga while also pushing her sound into the Eurodance revival that’s currently happening. Thematically, this record features themes of change and a morphing identity. Her dual ethnicities contribute a lot of wonderful textures, including choral arrangements and eastern influences, but being woven together in a tight 30 minute experience make this album incredibly fun and an easy listen.
After two high energy recs, I’ll leave you with Dream in Dream, an absolute ethereal journey by Cornelius. The sparse and lush arrangements leave a lot of space for the music to breathe without sacrificing grandiose moments that bring chills to my skin. My favorite track would have to be Drifts but I would definitely listen to the whole album if you have the time or patience.
That’s all from me for this inaugural writing. I’m leaving you with my Ins and Out for this year as well, to both inform you of my predictions and also have proof in writing of how I think this year will go. I’ll be in touch soon, with even more exciting news!
warmly,
~tommy
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