Musical Style & Process
When there is nothing left to say, we are forced to sing. This has been the basis of my artistic pursuits through music. A single phrase, melody, or chord progression can drive me as a composter. The majority of my self produced music is done in GarageBand using ukulele, guitar, keyboard, drums, and upright bass. Collaboration is central to my process as I’ve been fortunate to work with talented musicians whose creativity, energy, and perspective transform initial ideas into fully realized songs. In every project, it’s this dialogue between the music and the musician that brings the music to life in my work.
Inspirations
My musical inspirations are full of artists who combine storytelling and emotional depth in innovative ways. I constantly find myself returning to the humour of They Might Be Giants, the catchy, quick wit of Garfunkel and Oates, and the feats of musical theatre narrative that is achieved by the likes of Anaïs Mitchell and Jeanine Tesori. Of course strong women artists like Fiona Apple and Mitski. I can be caught listening to new wave like Talking Heads and Devo, yet I continually attribute the legendary craftsmanship of Stephen Sondheim as to how I approach the construction and relationship of melodies to lyrics.
Songs About Write Now
Tthe three previous musical projects being produced by Mona Turks, this was my first self-produced project in 5 years. This album combines ukulele, synths, pedals, and upright bass to bring together my emotional narrative of what it feels like to write music. This was also my first album to be available on all streaming platforms.
Work
Work is a comedy single featuring Chase Gilbertson. When I go to work each day there is one thing that I do (NOTE: I do not steal from my job).
People in My House
Produced by Nicholas Boni in his home studio in Brooklyn NYC, this is one of the few pieces of music I have felt passionately should not have backup vocals.
Variations on a Theme
This is my first ever original music project made in 2020. "Variations on a Theme" referring to both the song form and lyrical content of this short EP. A few of these songs would go onto become inspiration for my first musical "The Woman Her Husband and Herself".
Impulses and Premeditations
Shortly following "Variations on a Theme" I would dive into impulses and premeditations. Adding one more track to the list, this album explores themes of aging, fidelity, and anger. Two more songs for this album would be used for TWHH&HS.
Songs of Spring
This was the final album project on the way to writing "The Woman, Her Husband and Herself". This has the most tracks that went into the final musical and was also a large jump in style for the album art.
The Woman Her Husband and Herself
You guessed it! Here is the original cast album for "The Woman, Her Husband, and Herself". This musical was produced in a friend's home in Milwaukee Wisconsin July 2021. Starring Elena Benhke, Chase Gilbertson, and Dan Persino. Also featuring McKenna Dodson on bass. The musical follows a woman being followed by herself, as her husband tries to help.
