The band itself started simply enough: Eddie and Bean, guitar and drums, two guys making instrumental music together. Six months later, bassist Oj joined, and the connection was immediate. The trio eventually christened themselves the “Cosmic Triangle”, which is exactly the sort of wonderfully dramatic name I expect from a psychedelic instrumental band wandering around the New Mexico desert.
And for nearly nine years, the triangle held.
I’d like to start off with saying a MASSIVE THANK YOU to Rock Steady Nashville and everyone involved (will give more details on that a bit later) for organizing such a kick ass, inspiring event. Nashville certainly has a reputation for its extensive music community, but there’s also a lot of other art and artists here that sometimes wind up feeling a bit separate from the music scene, which has always felt like a missed opportunity in my mind. What I loved most about Rock Steady’s event was that it brought together several different artists and mediums – as well as missions – into one event … all in the name of Rock! What could be better?!
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Sophia told me, “Honestly, ‘Rodeo’ was born out of a moment of transformation. After being cheated on and discovering it was with the same woman who had been involved with a previous partner, I was done being the victim. I didn’t want to write another heartbreak song so I leaned into the anger and the writing process became my way of reclaiming power. I wanted it to be a song about recognizing the pattern, refusing to be blindsided again, and this time being the one in control. The concept is equal parts seduction and revenge with luring him back in and then tearing him apart. I want anyone listening to feel empowered with any situation that leaves them feeling minimized because it’s not in their control”. She added, “Anyways, I promise I’m a nice person!”
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The show was beyond phenomenal with Pavement playing for nearly two hours on Monday, July 27th. School night Schmool night. They orchestrated 26 songs (including the encore) and sounded incredible. The Ryman is a fantastic venue known to locals as “The Mother Church” (it is in fact an old church) with a glorious sound built into its walls. You couldn’t recreate the sonic tonality or the ambience of its foundation today if you tried. Everyone was up out of their pew row seating and on their feet the entire time, singing the words and shouting the hooks where they were needed. Fifty-two-year-old me kept thinking back to my teenage self and wondering if he would have appreciated this as much as I do now.
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If you’ve learned anything from my handful of articles, it’s probably this: my feet may be planted firmly on American soil, but my heart has always belonged to Ireland. There’s something about the people, the stories, and the music that keeps calling me back. Supporting the fiercely talented, resilient, and endlessly authentic artists coming out of Ireland isn’t just something I enjoy, it’s something I’m genuinely passionate about. Thankfully, bands like Kingfishr make that passion ridiculously easy.
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With that, Madonna’s Confessions II is most certainly a Love Letter to the Oppressed. To all the Girls, Gays, and Theys. To everyone who has ever been exiled for being nothing other than themselves. Every song is a dance ballad of self empowerment, and healing. I cannot pick a favorite. Nor can I pick a song that is more meaningful. The entire album is medicine for the soul. As I said, it is Doctor’s Orders. Oracle’s Orders to initiate yourselves into this frequency with at least 1 Full Cycle from Start to finish. To feel into your body, and release any stored up toxins that shame you for being who you are. You are not a threat. You are not vile. You are beautiful as you are. We all serve our purpose. We all have a light to give to the Universe. We are the colors on her voided canvas. It is our Birthright to Shine.
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Their mixes ranged from simple and methodical to complex and inspired, and the lyrics … well … Death Cab for Cutie has been one of my favorites for so long specifically because of their lyrics. (Ben Gibbard is a lyrical genius, and I don’t care who might try to say otherwise LOL) Their writing style has always struck a chord with me. I’ve always especially admired and connected with their use of metaphors, which only helps to create stronger visuals of their stories, and this album is no different. I Built You A Tower is a beautiful blend of complex emotions (deeply felt nostalgia). I don’t know how they always do it, but they do – and it’s magic!
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