Fixed media interludes created for Nicholas Perry Clark and UMKC Musica Nova's program, "God and Other Needs" (April 13, 2024).

God and Other Needs

Hot Like Hades (demo)

lyrics:
Your tongue coats your teeth with lies
Tall man, tall tales, tired eyes

I know I'm not hot enough to date but you'll validate me for now and I'll take it
You didn't care enough to wait a sec and contemplate on what the fuck's at stake, but I'll fake it

Your tongue coats your teeth with lies
Tall man, tall tales, tired eyes

Now I know exactly what you're asking:
How the fuck would you find something lasting
that was just as good or better later on?
But it's too much so can you wait?
Cuz I'm like this close to another breakdown
For something unrelated, leaves are fallin, suffocate

Your tongue coats your teeth with lies
Tall man, tall tales, tired eyes
I was your victim to defile
Don't want your noblesse oblige

sorry for overdoing it again

I wrote this poem late one night, sitting in front of the bathroom sink and reconciling with intense back pain. My mind recalled what I feel is one of the most heart-wrenching biblical psalms--Psalm 88--in which the psalmist cries out to a God who has poured out its terrors. Whereas this psalmist feels abandoned by their God, I feel abandoned by the idea of God, revealing it to be a metaphor for my own decay.
This poem was given an acousmatic setting for Nicholas Perry Clark and UMKC Musica Nova's Spring '24 program, "God and Other Needs."

Stone-Garden Psalm

This color-study paints the joyful cacophony of gathering places where people routinely meet. Whether religious or otherwise, rituals (such as attending church, participating in community choir, or volunteering) give life meaningful structure and provide opportunities for fellowship. 
Inspired by the Indian tamboura, I tuned all the strings of my guitar to G and D. I then explored several timbres, such as touching a harmonic on a vibrating open string, using my nails to create buzzing, or strumming molto sul pont. Vocals followed the same principle, using a spectrum from breathy to nasal color.
This piece was created for for Nicholas Perry Clark and UMKC Musica Nova's Spring '24 program, "God and Other Needs."

Fellowship Song

If I am to believe that God is other people, or that humans reflect the existence of God, what does that mean for ordinary moments? Can something as simple as a handshake be sacred?
I wrote this poem one night after an open mic, feeling grateful for those who listen intently to my music. Honest art reveals an intimate relationship to the world, making the conversations following a performance feel precious and vulnerable. As Carl Jung suggests, the artist shapes the collective unconscious of humankind. Thus, the greatest gift one can receive as an artist is attention--not to serve the ego but to build a pathway between two fragments of a greater consciousness.
This poem was given an acousmatic setting for Nicholas Perry Clark and UMKC Musica Nova's Spring '24 program, "God and Other Needs."

Psalm Of Recognition

A short siren explores thoughts I gleaned from Kierkegaard's concept of Anxiety.
This piece was created for for Nicholas Perry Clark and UMKC Musica Nova's Spring '24 program, "God and Other Needs."

Disquiet

willow

aGa
Breathing in I go back to the island within myself.
aG
There are beautiful trees within the island,
G
there are clear streams of water,
a
there are birds, sunshine and fresh air,
Ga
breathing out I feel safe.
aGa
I enjoy going back to my island.

Source: Poem by Thich Nhat Hanh
Foto: Beifuss

Stone-Garden Psalm

Gracie Caggiano

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