Episode 229: Oropendola

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Episode 229 of Look At My Records! features an interview with Brooklyn artist Oropendola. The project of songwriter Joanna Schubert recently shared their debut album as Oropendola, an eclectic and vibrant 11-song collection titled Waiting For The Sky To Speak. The record, which is described as a “celebration of choosing life even in the face of its ephemerality, and of finding motion even in the midst of stillness,” shimmers with bursts of energy and emotion, swinging from playfulness to earnestness with deft, technicolor brushstrokes. During the interview, Shubert and Tom spoke at length about the record, including its themes, her “morning pages” writing strategy for certain tracks, and how playing a supporting role in projects like Barrie helped shape her songwriting.  They also touched on Schubert’s formative years in New Jersey, her experiences attending LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts in Manhattan, and more. Schubert also picked some excellent records from my collection, including choice cuts from Joni Mitchell, TLC, Beach House, and more. You can follow along via the official playlist for Episode 229.

Waiting For The Sky To Speak is out now via Spirit House Records. You can purchase it on limited edition vinyl via Bandcamp. It’s also available on all streaming platforms. Keep up with the project via Instagram.