Helena Espvall and Masaki Batoh give the final performance of Friday night at Terrastock 7.
Theyre worth sticking around for, especially because we cant be sure that this collaboration will be renewed after their short tour accompanying Damon & Naomi, an act that has appeared at every Terrastock. But well be able to savor the synergy on their new, self-titled disc on Drag City Records.
This meeting of the Philadelphia-by-way-of-Scandinavia cellist/guitarist and the mastermind behind revered Japanese prog-rockers Ghost came about when Espvall foisted some demos on Batoh. Soon enough they found a quick opportunity for some sessions that included everything from improvisational tracks to re-castings of Swedish folk songs. The result is the sort of great one-off thats typical from the Terrastock community. Varieties of ambient fusion are interspersed with introspective gentle songs, interrupted by the occasional bit of noise that violates the sensibilities of anyone who doesnt know the difference between drone and doze.
LEO: Do you feel that this is a good time to be an independent musician in America? Have opportunities to be heard by your desired audiences (for live events as well as recorded music) increased or decreased in recent years?
Helena Espvall: Yes, definitely I moved to the U.S. from Sweden in 2000, and Ive been amazed by the abundance of opportunities here, compared to where Im from. In the U.S., Ive had the chance to connect and play with the most mind-blowing musicians. Theres so much going on. Its truly an exciting time.
LEO: You seem to have many projects and collaborative efforts going on at any given time. Does this stem from a drive, a curiosity, a restlessness? Has it grown over the years?
HE: I wouldnt call it restlessness. I just spend lots of time making music in one way or another. It might be playing in front of an audience, or jamming with friends in my living room, and I guess Im very driven to collaborate with musicians who intrigue me. One thing keeps leading to another, and I find myself involved in an increasing amount of musical projects
LEO: What do you hope to get out of your appearance at Terrastock? This seems to be the only festival-type date on the tour with Batoh. Is that a matter of fortunate timing for those in Louisville, or was there something about Terrastock in particular that you were seeking?
HE: Both Batoh and I have played Terrastock before: he several times with his band Ghost, and me with Fursaxa & Sharron Krauss in 2006. Many friends of ours will be performing, too, so most of all Im happy to see them, and to listen to lots of good music. Theres a great sense of community at Terrastock that has a strong pull I dont think this tour would even be happening if it wasnt for T7.
This article appears in June 17, 2008.