Shinrin-yoku (森林浴)☟
Shinrin-yoku (森林浴)—which literally translates to “forest bath”—is the Japanese practice of “bathing” oneself in nature with the intention of receiving physiological and psychological benefits. Beginning in Japan in the 1980s (the word itself was coined by the Japanese Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries in 1982), research shows the practice of shinrin-yoku can improve sleep quality, mood, ability to focus, and decrease stress levels.
I was first introduced to this concept via Portland Stumprunners, a run crew who practice shinrin-yoku every Saturday in Forest Park, one of the largest urban forests in the United States. With more than 80 miles of trails, I am eternally grateful for every minute I’ve spent in walking, running, or sitting within park limits. In the forest meditation and mindfulness come naturally, my senses focused on the small, uncomplicated changes around me.
In addition to being a beautiful place to run, Forest Park doubles as a ‘sonic sanctuary’ for me. It provides the ideal level of auditory stimulation to feel creative, relaxed and inspired. I often return feeling more aware, the door at the top of my head now open and ready to receive new ideas. Where is your sonic sanctuary?
Trip Sitter + Discount Code☟
Earlier this month I released ‘Trip Sitter,’ second single from Torii Gates, my forthcoming EP for Arrowhawk Records. Timothy Breen put together the stunning animated music video you see above. A trip sitter is a sober person you trust to keep you safe while under the influence of a psychedelic. The goal is to ‘hold space,’ - being physically, mentally, and emotionally present without interfering or inserting yourself into someone else’s experience.
While making this song I thought often of close friends who have and continue to hold space for me, psychedelics aside. Folks whom I can sit in silence with comfortably for long stretches of time. I wondered if I’d done enough to return the favor. Here’s to holding more space for others in 2021.
While we’re talking about Torii Gates, might I remind you that another Bandcamp Friday is upon us on 4/2. Trying to look out for all you newsletter subscribers. Use code ‘TRIPSITTING’ at checkout for 20% ANYTHING (yes, anything) from Arrowhawk Records through 4/29. That includes my new EP + hot off the press bandanas designed by Bailey Elderberry.
EP Teaser☟
The supremely talented Austin Abbott (who also made my music video for ‘Bernard’) put together this EP teaser clip for me. You can hear a snippet of another new song ‘Soft Lens,’ in the video. So happy with how this came out.
Ted Lucas Tribute☟
I spent a large portion of last year compiling It’s So Easy When You Know What You’re Doing (A Tribute to Ted Lucas) featuring a tremendous cast of musicians including Shannon Lay, John Andrews, Julianna Barwick/William Tyler, Barry Walker Jr and myself. Often referred to as ‘The OM Album,’ the 1975 self-titled and lone release from one of Detroit’s finest is regarded by many to be the greatest private press folk/psych album ever recorded. Lucas was a Motown studio musician who specialized in exotic strings, and appeared on tracks by The Temptations, The Supremes, and Stevie Wonder. You can pre-order the comp via Perpetual Doom on cassette/digital now. Artwork by Jess Rotter. Watch an incredible rendition of ‘Baby Where You Are’ from Shannon Lay here.
Guest Mixes☟
Got a couple o’ fresh guest mixes for you this month. Bringing the heat on both of these. Put together the second installment of ‘alone & stoned’ for New Commute + a mix for Fine For Now who also designed the fruit sticker that comes as bonus item when you order Torii Gates on cassette. Artwork above by Dan Wilson.
Felt Time Episodes 15 & 16☟
Felt Time, my bi-weekly show on Dune Buggy Radio continues to chug along. Listen back to episodes 15 & 16 via my Mixcloud page. Next episode airs 4/13. Artwork by Sunny Eckerle.
Reading, Watching, Listening To☟
Reading
+Transcendent Waves : How Listening Shapes Our Creative Lives (Lavender Suarez)
+ The Big Short (Michael Lewis)
+ Rain Dragon (Jon Raymond)
+The Many Lives of Judee Sill (Angie Martoccio)
+ The Residue Years (Mitchell S. Jackson)
Watching
+ Arrested Development (RIP Jessica Walter)
+ 30 Rock
+Last Chance U : Basketball
Listening To