Photo by Bridgette Winten. |
Angie McMahon, the accomplished Australian singer and songwriter, has just released her highly anticipated second album, Light, Dark, Light Again on all platforms via AWAL Records. This collection reflects her growth as an artist, skillfully blending emotive lyrics and captivating vocal delivery. Throughout the album, Angie delves into her personal experiences, offering a genuine reflection on finding peace and joy in the midst of life's chaos and highlighting the importance of embracing one's true self.
The album's title, 'Light, Dark, Light Again,' symbolizes a transition from the depths of darkness to the radiance of light, a theme that weaves through each of the 13 tracks. Angie explores love, loss, healing, hope, and even a climate protest. Her musical talent shines through with a versatile vocal range and emotionally charged delivery, providing an authentic and impactful listening experience.
The creation of the album began three years ago when Angie, following her breakout debut 'Salt' in 2019, immersed herself in a period of deep self-reflection. Navigating changes in her relationships and confronting personal turmoil, she uncovered transformative revelations about her true self. This album serves as a canvas for the truths and quiet epiphanies discovered during this challenging yet transformative period. 'Light, Dark, Light Again' delves deep into the exploration of one's innermost depths, confronting fears, and discovering that these very fears can serve as gateways to something greater and more promising.
'Light, Dark, Light Again' eloquently explores Angie's relationship with herself and the journey towards embracing her true self and whatever destiny may unfold. The album beautifully encapsulates the experience of unraveling and then healing, a process both gradual and strangely unique. It depicts how, amidst the fractures and failures of life, new roots take hold, forming fresh foundations that allow the radiant light to permeate and illuminate even the darkest corners of the soul.
Angie McMahon's vocals on this album are a powerful conduit for raw emotion, gracefully transitioning from tender whispers to commanding belts. She skillfully employs an array of vocal techniques, including harmonies, echoes, and breathy inflections, adding layers of texture and depth to her songs. The album offers a rich musical instrumentation, encompassing acoustic and electric guitars, pianos, and synths, creating a sonic landscape that feels both warm and cosmic. This results in an expansive auditory experience that draws from a diverse spectrum of influences, including folk, pop, rock and indie genres.
The album's capacity to evoke a wide range of feelings, from introspection to elation, is a testament to its artistic depth. Each track has the unique ability to reach deep within, resonating with a myriad of emotions. McMahon's sincerity is evident in every note and lyric, creating a powerful connection between the music and your own sentiments. In each composition, you will discover a narrative intimately woven into the fabric of your own life, making "Light, Dark, Light Again" an unforgettable musical journey that leaves you feeling understood and profoundly inspired.
During the creative journey of producing the album, Angie traveled between her hometown of Melbourne, the serene landscapes of regional Victoria, and the charming town of Durham in North Carolina. It was in Durham, where the majority of the album's tracks came together, that McMahon had the privilege of collaborating with the highly regarded Grammy-nominated producer and songwriter, Brad Cook. Cook's previous work with artists such as Bon Iver, Waxahatchee, Kevin Morby, and Snail Mail added a remarkable dimension to the project. McMahon was joined by a talented studio band that included the rhythmic prowess of Bon Iver's drummer, Matt McCaughan, the soulful melodies of Canadian singer-songwriter Leif Vollebekk, and the musical genius of Megafaun's Phil Cook. The opportunity to venture overseas and work alongside artists whose creations she deeply admired was a dream come true for her.
Angie shared her perspective on the album in a press release, saying, "I think it's a really honest record, a vulnerable record, and a hopeful record. It's about healing and finding your way through the dark to the light. I wanted to create something more expansive, cosmic, and connected to something bigger than myself, exploring different aspects of my voice and musicality. This album is about acceptance, surrender, and finding joy in letting go and being present." (...) "I wanted to celebrate that I wasn't resisting change anymore" (....) "And I wasn't trying to cling to things the way that I used to, but rather trust in natural cycles and accept that everything is temporary in life and everything is uncertain. And if I need something to be certain about, it's that cycle – that there is life and death and life again, there's light then dark then light again."
If you're in search of something that will truly move you, look no further than 'Light, Dark, Light Again' by Angie McMahon. The 13 tracks will linger in your heart long after you've finished listening, offering a musical journey that captures the essence of life's ups and downs and inspires you to find your own light in the darkness.
You can stream and purchase the album below:
Stream (Spotify, YouTube Music...)
"This record has been my mountain to climb.The process came with waves of hope and fear, and so much dark and light that they have balanced each other out, and I now feel free in understanding those things to be forever tied to one another, and being able to finally share the music with you. I hope the record is an offering of balance, an invitation to practice and embrace whatever makes you feel alive while you’re here. Maybe I’ll meet you at show or on a corner somewhere and we can talk about how connected we all are to one another. For now, I hope you find that in the songs. Thank you for listening, I have put all my love into this record. (...)The world is hard and heavy right now. Thanks to you for making space for this here too, and I hope it does something good in your world." - @AngieMcMahon
ANGIE MCMAHON NORTH AMERICA TOUR DATES
March 11 - Seattle, WA - Madame Lou’s
March 12 - Portland, OR - Star Theater
March 14 - San Francisco, CA - The Chapel
March 15 - Los Angeles, CA - The Troubadour
March 18 - Washington D.C. - Atlantis
March 20 - New York, NY - Bowery Ballroom
March 21 - Brooklyn, NY - Music Hall of Williamsburg
March 23 - Philadelphia, PA - World Cafe Live
March 25 - Montreal, QC - Bar Le Ritz
March 26 - Boston, MA - The Sinclair
More infos and tickets: angiemcmahon.com