Hymn for Slowing

new music + video

Upcoming dates:

Feb. 15 at Little City Concerts, Falls Church, VA | Solo Concert | Tickets

Feb. 21-23 and Feb. 28-March 2 at Texas Ballet Theater, Fort Worth & Dallas, TX | Tickets

Performances of Lamentation Variations, a new work choreographed by Alexandra Light set to music by Lili Boulanger that I recorded specifically for this project. This event is part of Graham100, a worldwide event and ongoing project of the Martha Graham Dance Company.

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We’re all just fumbling around in the dark right now, aren’t we. Reaching out, arms outstretched, hoping someone will be on the other side, ready and willing to hold our hand. To squeeze it gently.

Please know, I’m here. I’m here with you.

Hymn for Slowing is a song that I’ve been performing live for a while now in various iterations. I made an arrangement of it for NOW Ensemble, which they’re currently performing on their spring tour schedule. I also made a version for my next record, which I can’t wait to share with you.

And there’s this version, just released today: a live performance that was recorded and filmed a block away from my home.

The video is above, and you can find the audio on my Bandcamp, which is the only place it will live for now (i.e. it’s not available on streaming sites).

Listen with headphones so you can enjoy the low-end of the synth as well as the delicious creaks and groans of the floor.

If you choose to pay for the track, I’ll be donating 100% of the proceeds through Feb. 15th to OAR — Offender Aid and Restoration, an amazing organization in Virginia that I’m partnering with for my next concert (if you’re in the DMV area, I hope to see you there!) OAR is a community-based nonprofit that envisions a safe & thriving community where those impacted by the legal system enjoy equal civil & human rights.

This version of Hymn for Slowing features Sam Torres on saxophone. He also recorded and produced the audio. My partner in life and art, Sam works tirelessly to help me craft my sound, often unseen and behind the scenes. His tender heart (and expertise) is all over my music and live shows, and it brings me so much joy to have him perform on this song. His musicianship has been inspiring me since we met, almost 12 years ago.

The video was filmed and edited by dear friends Chromoscope Pictures, who you might remember filmed The Seas That Made Us video.

Both of these videos feature my sweet neighborhood and community. The Seas That Made Us was filmed in the alley directly behind my home featuring a cast of neighborhood friends. Hymn for Slowing was filmed just a block further, in a building owned by beloved community members who so graciously opened their doors to me and this video shoot.

Chloe, my piano technician, was on set before filming to tune the piano and make action adjustments. She has gone above and beyond over the years, helping me when I’ve needed last-minute work done, and never questioning why I tune my 123 year-old piano that can’t hold its tune to save its life. I’m so grateful for her.

And Matt, bless him, helped us wheel the piano down the street to the shoot location. A sight to behold, I’m sure, though not the first time my neighbors have seen me outside with an upright piano… and surely not the last.

And finally, the fuzzy coat. I wish I could say it was purely for fashion reasons, but no, it was deathly cold in the room when we were shooting.

All photos by Debi Luanne

My favorite moment of this recording is at the end of Sam’s saxophone solo. If you listen closely, he ends on a dissonant note that fades into the piano. It’s so juicy and almost imperceptible.

I’ll let the title — Hymn for Slowing — and music speak for itself. But if it feels right, consider it a hand reaching out, ready to hold yours.

I’d love to know what you think.

xoxo
sophia