Mourning Berlin, their new album, and artistic rebirth, Colin Self discusses
Hey there! Let's dive into the vibrant world of Colin Self, a one-of-a-kind artist based between Brooklyn and Berlin. Known for their boundary-pushing creativity, Self's latest album, respite ∞ levity for the nameless ghost in crisis, is a testament to their versatility. With singing in Latin and Polari, a colorful slang, they've crafted a conceptual masterpiece that merges futuristic experimental sounds with Self's operatic vocals, tackling themes of grief and mourning head-on.
In our chat with Self, they opened up about the inspirations behind their record, puppeteering as a means of addressing heavy topics, and the struggle to find meaning in their art amidst a tumultuous political climate. The climate in question is hardly a walk in the park - it's marked by budget cuts to Berlin's culture sector, ongoing disputes, and a broader sense of unease.
One might think everyone has a typical tale about moving to Berlin, but not Self. According to them, it was serendipity that brought them to the city. Playing frequently with Holly Herndon and Mat Dryhurst led to a point where it no longer made sense for Self to keep flying across the ocean. Fast forward to today, and Berlin is going through a major transition. Infrastructure and community that once thrived have started to wane, leaving artists like Self wondering about the future of their existence in the city.
When asked if they were grieving the recent budget cuts or the funding cuts towards artists speaking out against the war in Gaza, Self admits they're at a tricky place. With four commissions already cancelled, they've encountered institutions labelling them an alleged purveyor of imported antisemitism and disavowing cooperation due to their political views. Yet, in the past week, a political shift has occurred, making them reconsider their future in Berlin.
Grief seems to be a recurring theme in Self's life, as it's also central to their new record. Feeling a void within themselves, Self started exploring the idea of light and consciousness expansion. Rather than creating an explicitly groundbreaking record, they decided to focus on nuances and the intricacies of the self, opting for a more introspective approach. With no collaborations on the album, the project involved a lot of self-reflection.
Berliners are entering the new year with a tinge of sadness, and it seems hope is hard to come by. Yet, Self remains an optimist. They believe there's beauty and excitement in every city, even if it's hidden from view. However, as a touring artist without steady income, they're grappling with the reality of being a resident in a city where financial stability is elusive.
As we look towards the live performances of this record, expect theatricality, silliness, and perhaps a touch of the surreal, with puppetry and video”. Self plans to use humor and puppets as a means of coping with death, as they believe these elements can lift us out of our own seriousness and bring transformative stories to us.
If you'd like to catch Colin Self's performances, stay tuned to their Instagram for updates. Respite ∞ levity for the nameless ghost in crisis is set to drop on February 21!
In the interview, Colin Self expresses their concern about the funding cuts towards artists speaking out against the war in Gaza and the budget cuts to Berlin's culture sector, which had led to the cancellation of four commissions. Despite the ongoing struggles, Self remains optimistic, believing that Berlin, like every city, has beauty and excitement to offer, even if it's hidden from view.
As the release date for their latest album, respite ∞ levity for the nameless ghost in crisis, approaches on February 21, Colin Self plans to incorporate puppetry and video in their live performances to present transformative stories, using humor as a means of coping with death. To stay updated on their performances, fans can follow Self on Instagram.
