Atomisation – the gradual breakdown of society… When you say it, it sounds like some sort of dystopian fiction, hey, look around. People walking around with heads bent down reading news feeds that drive fears and distrust of others – that the world is a dangerous place – no wonder people withdraw. In Japan, they call it ‘hikikomori’ (pulling inward, being confined).
Thankfully, amongst the darkness are some Beacons of positive light. One example, and a response to sensational journalism, is David Byrne’s recently re-launched website ‘Reasons to Be Cheerful‘ – “an online editorial project that focuses on what is often called “solutions journalism”—news about positive, hopeful and (this part is very important) successful initiatives from around the world. Through sharp reporting, the stories balance a sense of healthy optimism with journalistic rigor and find cause for hope. It is part magazine, part therapy session, part blueprint for a better world.”
Another (and the reason for the above contextual diversion) is this new single and our Song of the Day from Ida Wenøe called Change Me A Little. It was her song and these words that left me with an increased sense of hope and positivity:
“I wrote this song because I felt we are living in a world where we focus a lot on the individual, which sometimes makes us forget how much we can be moved by others – by people, by communities, by art, by love, by each other … If we are open to change, we are open to growth.”
Heavy thoughts aside, musically, the single is described as a mix of Ida’s Nordic Noir roots with an obvious appreciation of Americana …a nod to the heritage of classic artists such as 10,000 Maniacs whilst displaying current authenticity akin to the likes of Odetta Hartman and Julia Jacklin.
Both the video and portrait are by Zarko Ivetic, a great visual artist who has an incredible eye for creating emotional tensions in scenes, and in this instance isolation. He also worked on Ida’s last video “Another Kind of Love.”
The track was recorded and co-produced by Esben Svane and mastered by Brian Mørk Hansen
The bass is delivered by MAgnus KNudsen.
Change Me A Little is out on 13th September 2019 (Integrity Records)
After an April UK headline tour and summer festival appearances in Austria, UK & Denmark, Ida’s busy 2019 schedule includes German and Danish autumn tours and a second appearance of the year in Spain (Madrid, October 6th). A further UK tour in February 2020 is already shaping up nicely.
keep up here: https://idawenoe.com/
Photo Credit: Zarko Ivetic