In my mind, music is arcane in nature. A ritual that we're capable of performing wordlessly. Interfacing with a shared understanding of archetypes, emotions, and time. The Tarot Tapes are a musical exercise in prompted expression. These pieces of music are my own explorations in synthesis and musical impressionism.
While other projects may be defined by a narrative goal, explorations in genre or tonality; the Tarot Tapes are one part instrumental autobiographical exploratations.
(I) The Magician
The Magician card marks the beginning of a journey. A spark that leads us on a pilgrimage to new places and depths of understanding.
I originally began the initial sketches for the movements of this track in January 2024 during Seed to Stage's Jamuary event. These starting points were some of the last daily sketches that I made in that month long endurance run of creating. I wasn't sure that I would make it to the end. And I think that being able to find a home and a meaning for these initial shards of ideas and developing them into a cohesive, finished idea has been one of my most rewarding experiments so far.
When trying to arrange these pieces into an idea, I got the sense that there was already the outline of a larger concept. A feeling that I was touching on with the 'arc' of the tracks that I was writing day to day. It was like trying to make heads and tales of a nonlinear narrative. I wasn't truly ready to finish this idea until I felt I had a grasp of the larger hidden story that each section had part in.
This story is an instrumental one told across five movements. It is a wordless narrative about a lightkeeper and his apprentice. During the creation of this suite of music I spent a lot of time reflecting on my own journey from a young person into adulthood.
I - Climb Aboard, I'll Take You There (0:00)
II - Out Across The Water (1:43)
III - When We Get Where We're Going (3:50)
IV - Halcyon (6:20)
V - There It Is, Out on the Horizon (8:18)
Nine of Cups
The Nine of Cups is about gratitude. Savoring earned rewards and appreciation of the good and whole things in our life. An appreciation of acceptance into family, community, and the communion of fellowship. At times this is a quiet internal movement, and others a mirthful celebration - an internal dance, a swirling party.
Two of Pentacles
The two of Pentacles is about balance. The skillful balance of many spinning plates. The mastered understanding of the important things in our life.
Is balance enough? When we push ourselves to our limitations and beyond, we become more powerful. Stronger through progressive overload. More skilled through pressing outward the boundaries of our understanding. Laden with new knowledge by finding new places to explore. Is happiness our contentment with balance? Or is real fulfillment found in upturning our balance in pursuit of new mastery?
Thank You
My sincerest expression of gratitude to all my listeners, friends, and supporters. Your listens and kind words keep me feverishly creating and enjoying every minute of it.
Special thanks to Anthony, Matthew, Mark, John B., Cameron and all of my friends at Seed to Stage, as well as Brian Funk and the Music Production Club. Getting to work with and around so many talented and creative people constantly propels me forward and I'm forever grateful to all of you who impact my work.
