Runnin’ on Empty☟
Suadade is a word in Portuguese or Galician describing a deep emotional state of nostalgic or profound melancholic longing for an absent something or someone that one cares for and/or loves. Suadade often carries a repressed knowledge that the object of longing might never be had again.
It is the recollection of feelings, experiences, places, or events that once brought excitement, pleasure, and well-being, which now trigger the senses and make one experience the pain of separation from those joyous sensations. As we near the one year mark of the pandemic, Suadade is perhaps the most accurate word to describe my current emotional state.
I’m runnin’ on empty. Nothing is hitting quite the same. Witnessing kindness and love in unexpected places (a smile or nod from a passing runner, laughter from a grocery store clerk, a direct message through Bandcamp or IG) is keeping me afloat.
As an educator I’ve held firm to the idea that showing up for your students day in and day out is what counts the most. Over time I’ve also learned the value of showing up for yourself. So here I am, back with another newsletter and so grateful for both new and returning readers.
Torii Gates☟
Earlier this month I announced Torii Gates, a new EP for Arrowhawk Records out 4.16.21. We shared the first single ‘River Running By’ over at the Talkhouse along with a short essay introducing the track and the inspiration behind it. Some very talented people help make this release a reality. I am once again joined by Barry Walker Jr on pedal-steel and Alex Chapman on bass who also handled mastering. The EP was recorded and mixed by Ryan Oxford at The Center and remotely.
The beautiful artwork you see above was done by my partner in crime, (Borat Voice) my wife, Sunny Eckerle. Original photo by Shade Standard. Cassette + digital pre-orders are available now on Bandcamp. All tapes come with a fruit sticker designed by one of my favorite Instagram accounts, Fine For Now.
Bandcamp Friday (3/5) is just around the corner - use code “JEFFLIST” (as a treat) for 10% off ANYTHING from the Arrowhawk Bandcamp. That includes new bandanas designed by Bailey Elderberry.
Guest Mix - TSPTR☟
There are only a handful of clothing labels I follow along closely with. TSPTR is one of them. An acronym standing for Truth, Symmetry, Pleasure, Taste and Recognition, the brand draws its name from the five design principles of Louis Sullivan, American modernist architect, designer and 'the father of skyscrapers'. Their garments channel the history of American counterculture and sub cultures, exploring politics, music, protest, pop culture and war.
Co-founder and designer Russ Gater was kind enough to have me put together a guest mix ahead of their next journal release. Russ also plays in an excellent group called The Evening Sons. ‘Keep Your Head Up High’ is taken from one of my favorite tunes by The Farm Band from 1972 and felt like an appropriate title/reminder to myself. Do yourself a favor and check out this rendition by Vetiver + Fruit Bats while you’re here.
Keep The Beat Winterfest 8k☟
Despite my motivation for running being at an all-time low, it is one of the best ways I know to show up for myself. I am so eager for Saturday morning trail runs to resume with my Stump Runners Crew. Yesterday I participated in Keep the Beat R.C.’s Winterfest 8k. This virtual race benefits the wonderful humans at Backline, a platform for music industry professionals and their families to learn, ask questions, and find clinical support to navigate mental health challenges. If you’re looking to put a race on your calendar while helping keep independent music alive, I highly suggest following along with Keep The Beat for their next announcement.
Reading, Watching, Listening To☟
Reading
+Walking: One Step at a Time (Erling Kagge)
+ The Residue Years (Mitchell S. Jackson)
+ How To Interview John Wilson (Believer Mag)
Watching
+ Nomadland (Hulu)
+ Rewatching Kim’s Convenience (Netflix)
+Printed Matters’ Virtual Art Book Fair
Listening To
+ The Entire Akron/Family Discography. RIP Miles Seaton. Thank you for everything.
+Setsubun (Jusell, Prymek, Sage, Shiroishi)
+Yaral Sa Doom (Wau Wau Collectif)
+Hirsch and the Minglers Live at The Colony, Tulsa. March 17, 2018 (Scott Hirsch)