New Approach, Old Ritual

New Moon Greetings,

You may have notice there is different heading here: Singer, Songwriter, Wanderer, Witch. It’s the new name of this newsletter,

Though spring is supposedly around some snowy corner, the dampness and grey skies of the PNW have been cold, longer than usually this time of year. The farmers almanac says the farther the rings around the full moon, the current moon cycle will get colder. The shorter, the climate will get warmer. The rings have been wide in these skies for a while. I see it as a encouragement to stay in hibernation a little longer and strengthen ourselves a little more.

Now let’s wander…

Februarys musical share is an demo version of The Mighty Mermaid. This is the first song I felt direct magic with. Over the years, I have written a few interpretations of this song, most recently for album Tuff Feathers which includes a performance from friend and cellist Lori Goldston.

Music- The Mighty Mermaid, Demo

Tale- New Approach, Old Ritual

For me, songwriting is meditative, slow-moving and has the precise timbre of spell work. Each ingredient matters; key, instrumentation, time of day, moon cycle.. Creating parameters as the feels unfold and come together like a sonic tapestry. I believe songwriting is not for the light hearted. When the process starts, it takes over. It can be a singing sword when you have been betrayed, a nagging whisper at 4am that won’t let you sleep, a phone call from a friend in South Carolina whose grandma is asking for you. It’s a chaotic map to better understanding this sad and beautiful world and I am grateful for it.

Creating The Mighty Mermaid, elevated a craft I had already been working at for years. The exploration of singing higher tones came as a gift for using my voice in a new way. I find it amazing how one small idea can lead to a different perspective and change an approach entirely.

I didn’t start this life as a musician and my sonic seeking feels like a continual balance of soul searching and quilt making. Up until I was 26, I had no idea I was musical. It took being a US military wife, a degree in poetry, ten years of studying modern dance a whole lot of wishing and work before it happened. It was a very distinct moment, I had an OBE (out of body experience) a life changing moment, a catalyst. And a tale for a different moment.

Updates- New Show Dates with White Gourd

Special thanks to Piper Josephine for designing this beautiful poster

03/14- Le Voyuer, Olympia, WA with White Gourd, Wicking Ground, River Irene

03/16- Virtua Gallery Portland, OR with White Gourd, MSHR, TBA

Also I am booking shows for 2025, send your requests. I am open to house shows, fancy venues, community centres, botanical gardens and art centre’s… Message me your requests.

See you on the next New Moon..

Love,

KF