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On Jan. 27, 2023, Molly Joyce, an artist motivated by and through and because of disability, releases Open Arms, the companion EP to her new critically acclaimed album, Perspective. Released on Oct. 28, 2022, Perspective is “a powerful work of love and empathy that underscores the poison of ableism in American culture” (Pitchfork), “a powerful ongoing project … charged by an intense composer/performer relationship.” (The Wire).
At the age of seven, Joyce’s left hand was nearly amputated in a car accident. After two decades of rejecting the label, Joyce now proudly identifies as disabled, using her impaired left hand to play her vintage toy organ — an instrument seemingly custom-built for the composer. On her new EP, Joyce collaborates with the Open Arms Dance Project, a community of dancers with diverse bodies, ages, and abilities in Boise, Idaho.
“For this EP, I interviewed disabled dance members and Open Arms founder Megan Brandel on three concepts: care, strength, and interdependence,” says Joyce. “Following the interviews, I added musical underscoring and created open-caption videos featuring text responses of the interviewees' answers. Several interviews were conducted with caretakers — grandmothers and relatives and friends. Other interviewees mentioned their social support. These aspects of disability often go undiscussed, at least publicly, and I feel fortunate for this opportunity.”
“Collaborating with Molly Joyce was an incredibly fulfilling process,” says Megan Brandel, the artist director of Open Arms Dance Project. “Through interviewing Open Arms dancers and including their thoughts and voices in the sound score, Molly created a level of acknowledgment that was deeply empowering. This translated into Open Arms dancers creating innovative movements and performing confidently on stage. We all appreciated this process and collaboration immensely.”
supported by 169 fans who also own “Perspective: Open Arms EP”
Very complex neo-classical music. This has lots of layers to it, and sounds at times discordant, but I like it more with each listen. This band requires some patience, but I think you get rewarded for that patience. Found in Ed Buckley's collection. Roy Meerkamper
Istanbul sound artist and industrial designer Kunsf transforms everyday objects into granular synthesis on this contemplative new LP. Bandcamp New & Notable Mar 8, 2022