Reintegration Season
Although Covid is not by any means over (I finally got it this summer after 2 years of avoiding it like the...) the world is starting to resemble normalcy. Concerts are full, studios are bustling, and I know I am struggling with how I arrive back to my life after 2 years of escaping it. My current life looks nothing like it did in 2020, and approaching something so personal like music so professionally (is anything really professional or is there just money involved?) has changed the emotional and physical closeness I feel to others while making it. There is a distance that comes with working on a project that is not yours and having a distinct role in making that project happen. But maybe the solution to the problem is getting back to my roots and working on what I feel passionate about. Projects that are for and about me...more to come on that.
- Gill
Best of the Month
Live music is back! Ok, it has been back, but it is one of the things I have hesitated on returning to as we move further from the devastation of early pandemic times. Spending a lot of my time working on records has made live music feel much closer. Sessions are kind of like small, split up concerts. Plus it starts to feel way cooler to see the small elements that goes into the final product instead of a recreation of what we get to listen to. But that's sort of like tackling the what came first - the live performance or sound recording of a song?
This month I had the privilege of seeing Norah Jones + Regina Spektor (together - ah!) and Maya Hawke live in concert. Maya performed songs from her upcoming album, Moss. Norah played classics which made my younger self scream in the audience. Regina did a bit of both - sharing iconic songs from the beginning of her career as well as new classics from her album, Home, Before and After (partially recorded at Dreamland). If you get the opportunity...go see all 3 wonderful women and their powerhouse bands + listen to their records!
My August Favorite Songs...
Sweet Tooth by Maya Hawke
Sunrise by Norah Jones
One Man's Prayer by Regina Spektor
Angelina by Lizzy McAlpine
Single for the Summer by Christian Lee Hutson
Sunshine Sometimes by Bedouine
Change by Big Thief
Acolyte by Slaughter Beach, Dog
Cool Dry Place by Katy Kirby
Ode to a Conversation Stuck in Your Throat by Del Water Gap
What I'm Listening To
Check out the full + ever evolving playlist on YOUTUBE, SPOTIFY, or convert to your preferred platform via TUNEMYMUSIC >>
Other people being awesome...
Home, before and after by Regina Spektor
If you have not already listened to Regina's new album, shame on you. It is a beautiful masterpiece, deserving of a full listen. The songs flow into each other and scratch a wonderful part of my brain that loves the catchy nature of pop melodies with the grandeur of a theatrical production. Not to mention, the vocals and piano were tracked by my friend, colleague, and teacher in many ways, Ariel Shafir.
Book time with me
Gill with the G
Gillian Pelkonen is a musician & audio engineer based in New York. She makes her own music and is always looking to collaborate. As an Audio Engineer, she helps people elevate their sound, and specializes in techniques that enhance natural vocal texture & dynamics (aka the best parts of your unique voice).