What's Happening?
Emma Ruth Rundle, a Portland-based multi-disciplinary artist, has released her new album, 'These Killing Times,' via Errant Child. The album is described as a reaction to the isolation experienced during the creation of her previous record, 'Engine of Hell,'
and emphasizes themes of community and connection. Rundle collaborated with several guests on the album, including Jess Gowrie on drums, Troy Zeigler on bass, and Nick Reinhart on guitar, with saxophonist Patrick Shiroishi also contributing to tracks like 'God’s Picture' and 'Enough.' Rundle notes that the album's content, which she describes as politically charged, is best served by the energy of a full band. She also discusses her creative process, stating that she typically writes music before lyrics and that the album's opener, 'Powerless,' was the last song she wrote for the record. The album features two different track orders for digital and vinyl releases, with 'Powerless' opening the digital version and 'God’s Picture' opening the vinyl.
Why It's Important?
Emma Ruth Rundle's approach to 'These Killing Times' highlights a significant shift in artistic creation, moving from isolated introspection to collaborative community engagement. This transition reflects a broader trend in the music industry where artists, particularly after periods of global isolation, seek to reconnect and create in more communal settings. The album's exploration of politically charged themes through a folk-grunge lens offers a powerful commentary on contemporary societal issues, resonating with listeners who are also navigating complex times. Rundle's decision to release the album on her own label, Errant Child, underscores a growing movement among artists to gain greater creative control and independence, challenging traditional industry structures. This self-release model empowers artists to pursue their artistic vision without external pressures, potentially influencing other independent musicians to follow suit and fostering a more diverse and artist-driven music landscape. The album's success could serve as a case study for the viability of independent releases in reaching a broad audience and maintaining artistic integrity.
What's Next?
Emma Ruth Rundle plans to support 'These Killing Times' with touring, emphasizing the communal aspect of performing with a full band. This touring will allow her to connect with fans and share the album's themes of community and connection in a live setting. Rundle's continued engagement with her audience, which she describes as caring and thoughtful, will be a key aspect of the album's post-release phase. She also expressed a desire to foster a sense of community among her listeners, viewing her shows as opportunities for people to connect with each other and with her. The album's release on her own label, Errant Child, suggests that Rundle will continue to have significant control over her future projects and releases, potentially leading to more independent and artist-driven endeavors. Her ongoing creative process, which includes painting and other artistic practices during fallow periods, indicates a continuous evolution in her work, with future projects likely to explore new themes and collaborations.
Beyond the Headlines
Emma Ruth Rundle's 'These Killing Times' delves into deeper implications beyond its musical composition, particularly concerning the role of community and human connection in challenging times. Rundle's personal shift from isolated creation to collaborative work reflects a broader societal need for connection, especially in an increasingly digital and often isolating world. Her use of religious themes as allegory, despite not being religious herself, highlights the pervasive influence of cultural narratives and their utility in conveying universal human experiences. This approach demonstrates how art can leverage established cultural frameworks to communicate complex ideas, making them accessible to a wider audience. Furthermore, Rundle's candid discussion about the complexities of fan interaction, including the need for personal boundaries while valuing connection, sheds light on the evolving relationship between artists and their audience in the age of social media. This nuanced perspective underscores the ethical considerations artists face in maintaining authenticity and personal well-being while engaging with their public, offering a valuable insight into the human element of artistic life.
