Shared sorrow is lessened, shared joy is increased. – Spider Robinson, “Callahan’s Crosstime Saloon“ Like Spider Robinson’s band of misfits that find each other at the fantastical Callahan’s, my music finds the listener and joy and sorrow are shared, thought not always in equal measure. There have been times during my career that I focused …
When I was a child learning to play the piano, Pagan music lessons were not exactly an option. I grew up in a Christian Baptist environment. Music was always a major part of my life, and by the age of fourteen I had become the organist for my church—a position I held until I was …
In this harvest season, Blackwillow Starling discuss their latest album Thornaeppel, and what they garnered from the early seeds of the writing process. Blackwillow Starling The Process of Change In what ways has your song writing changed with the new album? (Nora) I think in terms of collaboration our writing has changed. Michael and I …
I’ve been writing songs (or, more accurately, making up songs and sometimes writing them down) for most of my life, and for me there are three types of song. There are those which arrive suddenly and completely, almost like receiving dictation, and those are the ones I trust the most. There are others which form …
People often use the term “getting in tune” to describe being in touch with something, such as getting in tune with your inner self, or getting in tune with nature; basically anything you want to connect with. Tuning your Foundation As a piano technician, I spend a major amount of time tuning pianos. This requires …
Pagan Songwriting Tips by Alexian There’s something magickal about creating your own Pagan chant or song. It’s a deeply personal and spiritual act, a way to channel your creativity, connect to the divine, and give voice to the energies you feel swirling around and within you. But how do you even begin Pagan songwriting? Whether …
First Steps: Creating Your Own Pagan Chant or Song Read More »
It’s a cluttered world out there online. You love pagan music, but staying in contact with your favorite artists is difficult in this era when the major social media platforms choke out musicians’ attempts to reach out to you. Many creators are combatting this by switching to the platform “Patreon”. In this post, you’ll hear …
Pagans use musical instruments for sacred purposes–in meditation, ritual, or community gatherings. Instruments connect us to the divine, build relationships between people, are used for healing, and to manipulate the energy that affects our reality. Many instruments have been put to sacred use throughout history. Some instruments themselves are considered sacred and have their own …
How I am preparing for my winter artist residency as a songwriter After years of dreaming of and researching artist residencies around the US, I have found a great fit, and am excited to announce that I have been awarded a five month artist residency with Osage Arts Community in Belle, MO. This winter I …
Syncing hearts, aligning emotions, building communities, healing, bonding, and affecting emotion. Music–and especially music played in a group–is powerful magic. Drums are used for healing and prayer all over the world. Drums are used to drive away demons and to drive people to the madness of war. Drums can take us into different states of …
