Album release house show
November 11, 2019
It’s been a little less than two months since I released my debut album Open Spaces and the subsequent House Show Party happened. I’m glad this little album made it out into the wider world. It’s been three years of working and reworking the songs and deciding on the final 7. I am deeply grateful for the many folks who worked alongside me to make this happen (more on those lads in a different post).
2019 has been full of life changing/shattering moments. It’s been a year of undoing and rethinking what I want my life to be (more on this in yet another post ahead…promise). I know that it was only through all the stress, angst and inspiration that this album was finally completed and released. I am so glad for this.
I’ve spent many nights figuring out how to release an record independently. I have labored over the design and intention of every part of this process. I have felt insecure and small at many points unable to fully tune out the voices in my head demanding “success.” I have also been happy to retreat into the woods on solo, silent camping trips to recenter, if only temporarily.
The emotional labor of producing something so intimate for others to see— to “put yourself out there”— has left me feeling embarrassed at times. Then there have been the moments when I have laughed, danced and literally twirled in circles under the stars as I gave myself permission to celebrate and anticipate producing art of my own. Making and letting it sing to whoever will listen.
After recognizing the stress and anxiety I felt trying to decide on and book a venue (do I have a cover charge? can I get a big enough crowd? etc.) I decided on hosting the release show at the family home, in our beautiful backyard. My family and I brought chairs, little tables and even our big picnic table down to the back of the property where a small creek acts as border on just the other side of our fence. We hung up beautiful capis (pearly shell) lanterns brought back from the Philippines in a small tree just on our side of the fence to light the grass “stage” and lit candles all throughout the seating area.
Folks brought food and drinks to share and there were more than a couple babies present. It wasn’t a big group but it was a good one. As I played I could see their faces glowing by candle light and it was a wonderful view.
Simone Finally was the perfect opener. Not only is she a shinning light in the Durham music scene but I am constantly encouraged by her witty and warm presence. Her voice is just low enough to send a hum through you, it quivers at just the right moments and her lyrics are endlessly fascinating and well crafted. It was a delight to hear her weave anecdotes and reflections between songs giving her overall set a settling coherence.
Andrew Tatum joined me with his red electric adding texture to my songs and helping fill the outdoor space. He added the right amount of dissonant tension alongside echoing melody lines and sweet ambient noise. His talent does not lie only in his ability to play well but also in his ability to listen well. Not one to blow smoke I have been able to trust his encouragements and advice over the past year and a half of knowing him and this I have found profoundly helpful.
And finally there is the tremendous love and care of my family. They have made this year and especially the push to make this album happen bearable. The enthusiastic dancing and smiles of my baby niece and the tireless efforts of my sisters, brother-in-law and mother to keep me fed, warm and inspired can’t be described here in justice to them.
Happily, since this celebration/house show I’ve been on the road a bit, sharing these songs and getting to know some new folks in different cities where I’m hoping to play more often. I’m glad that this album is out in the world, I’m glad to be able to start traveling and gigging as I celebrate the release and I’m also EXTREMELY excited for the space to work on new projects. More on all of this to come.
Until soon,
Remona Jeannine