Dear Friends,
Today, my "Mother" collection of songs comes to a close with the release of a new version of the title track and a new episode of The Sleeping At Last Podcast.
"Mother (Voice Memo)" is out now! In the days immediately following my mom's passing, I finished writing my song "Mother" in her honor. I pressed record on my phone's voice memo app and sang these lyrics for the first time. "Mother (Voice Memo)" is that recording and it includes gorgeous cellos from Sharon Gerber.
To write and record my "Mother" collection has been a step toward healing for me. I needed to write these songs. I miss my mom so much and though I will be trying to reconcile this loss for the rest of my life, in getting to share this music, I have felt less alone. I have felt hope. Grief, in all its many forms, is absolutely dreadful. But one tiny gift is that it carves out space in us to understand and empathize with one another on an entirely different and richly beautiful level. In a way, grief gives birth to a new kind of love. In remembering my mom and processing grief in these songs, I've caught my first glimpse of that new love. As Mother's Day approaches, whether your mom is with you or not, whether you have a good relationship with your mom or not, whether you are a mom or not – I hope you feel the presence of love, new or familiar. And whatever you're swimming through in this life, I hope these songs can be a friend you along the way. Thank you so much for listening.
In addition to "Mother (Voice Memo)", there are instrumental versions of "Bright Sadness" and "Wave After Wave" included in the release. I hope you enjoy these wordless versions too!
Massive thanks to Sharon Gerber for the gorgeous cellos on "Mother (Voice Memo)" and for all of her work throughout my "Mother" collection, as well as Anya-Katarina Gerber for violins throughout, to Chris Bethea for mixing "Mother (Voice Memo)" and mastering the whole collection. And to Joey Chou for the artwork on all of these songs, which so beautifully reflect my mom! What an absolute honor to get to work with each of you.
The "Mother" episode of The Sleeping At Last Podcast is all about my song "Mother", the new version, "Mother (Voice Memo)" and the "Mother" collection as a whole. I am deeply touched to get to share this episode with you, closing out my "Mother" project.
I put together this little edit of some family video of my mom and my family, set to "Mother (Voice Memo)" - It means a ton to share it with you.
Once more, thank you for listening to these songs - they are tiny pieces of my heart and it means so much to share them with you. I am SO looking forward to continuing on in my Atlas: III, Astronomy and atoms projects and cannot wait to share news about each very soon!! Also, very pleased to tell you that I will begin to play occasional live performances in the near future too! Cannot wait.
Huge Love, Ryan
