Elisa Thorn’s “The Backyard” is an Ethereal, Experimental People Providing That Strikes Via Reminiscence, Time, and Tenderness
Vancouver-based harpist, vocalist, and composer Elisa Thorn shares her recognition single, “The Backyard,” a mild, nostalgic, and experimental people observe that displays on reminiscence, grief, and the internal panorama of the self throughout time.
Impressed by a long-form sound collage Thorn created in 2021 known as The Years In Between, “The Backyard” explores the concept that all variations of ourselves – previous, current, and future – exist inside us concurrently. Via this sonic meditation, Thorn invitations listeners to mirror on the thought of touring throughout time to nurture the internal baby, commune with our ancestors, or just sit with the stillness of self-discovery.
The tune’s title references a deeply private second: a ultimate dialog between Thorn and her grandmother. As her grandmother lay on her deathbed, she whispered, “Don’t fear darling, I discovered the key backyard.” That phrase, and the religious peace it implied, turned the center of the tune – a spot that transcends time and holds area for therapeutic.
“The Backyard” was co-produced with David Vertesi, who contributed bass and helped form the observe’s ethereal ambiance. Every thing past the vocals and bass comes from the harp itself, reworked by inventive sound design to stretch the instrument’s potentialities into dreamy, ambient textures. One of many observe’s standout moments is the delayed harp line that closes the tune; it’s one in every of Thorn’s favorite components to play stay.
“This tune is transient in phrases however deep in feeling. The picture of the willow tree, which comes up typically in my goals, represents refuge for my youthful self. It’s the form of place I inform my family members to satisfy me in spirit – ‘meet you by the willow tree’ is my model of ‘candy goals.’ I hope this piece provides individuals a way of calm and introspection. It’s about stillness, and the quiet magic of self-connection.“
Thorn’s upcoming solo album, xiik, set to reach in Fall 2025, expands on the themes launched in “The Backyard,” exploring time, selfhood, and transformation. She describes the challenge with a wink as “experimental indie for the bath” – music that invitations reflection however refuses to remain confined to at least one style or temper.