Asher White: An Interior Designer of Sound

A Unique Approach to Songwriting

Listening to an Asher White record feels akin to stepping into the creatively designed spaces of an interior designer. White treats her songs like rooms, meticulously rearranging their components—shifting the couch from one corner to another, tilting a chair at a new angle. Her latest album, 8 Tips for Full Catastrophe Living, begins with “The sink thank you,” which unfolds like a move-in day. It starts as a bare room filled only with muted strings before the space is gradually adorned with an array of sounds: slot machine effects, snare drums, distant chimes, a pulsating bassline, keys reminiscent of Fiona Apple’s “Valentine,” and a sprinkle of handclaps. As the delicate timbre of White’s voice finally enters, the eclectic mix harmonizes as if every piece, no matter how seemingly out of place, belongs under one roof.

Eclectic Soundscapes and Evolution

White has a remarkable gift for blending elements that might typically clash, creating a soundscape where they feel naturally integrated. Over the past decade, she has consistently released more than an album each year, showcasing her evolution from sound collages of field recordings to intricate post-rock and chamber pop infused with electronic and orchestral elements. On 8 Tips for Full Catastrophe Living, she channels her dynamic sound into a profound exploration of interdependence, complicated relationship dynamics, and the labors of love.

Exploring Relationships Through Music

An unnamed love interest features prominently throughout the album, serving as a foil to White’s narrators as she navigates themes of gendered divides and the contrasts between public and private lives. In the poignant conclusion of “The sink thank you,” she expresses sentiments toward her partner that are both appreciative and sharp: “Did you clean the sink?/Thank you/I can’t stand to love you all like this/And when I have a child/I will raise her to wake early like you.” The narrator’s flaws are mirrored in the idealized characteristics of her lover, setting the stage for a series of domestic adventures that are both tragic and commonplace.

The Housewife’s Quiet Dissonance

In “Beers with my name on them,” White adopts the role of a housewife whose underlying dissatisfaction simmers beneath her composed facade. “There’s a surprise waiting in the foyer/The fall of another personal empire today/I do the dishes/I do not shave my legs/And I wait for you to come home,” she croons with an angelic voice laced with Betty Draper-like repression. This serene exterior contrasts sharply with the tinfoil guitar feedback and a drumbeat echoing the relentless spin of a washing machine. The album’s centerpiece, “Cobalt Room: Good Work / Silver Saab,” spans seven and a half minutes, evoking the noisier, jam-oriented styles of White’s tourmates Deerhoof and Black Country, New Road. The industrial post-rock transitions into a jazzy breakdown, as her narrator expresses a yearning for domestic assistance and intimacy: “Cobalt color, ugly room/Won’t you paint it white for me?/Husband, if you come back soon/Won’t you kiss me tenderly?”

Conclusion

Asher White’s 8 Tips for Full Catastrophe Living stands as a testament to her intricate approach to songwriting. By blending diverse musical elements and reflecting on the complexities of love and domestic life, she crafts an auditory experience that feels both familiar and refreshingly new. Each song is a room filled with carefully chosen furnishings, inviting listeners to wander through her lyrical spaces and contemplate the delicate balance of relationships.

FAQs

What genre of music does Asher White create?

Asher White’s music spans several genres including post-rock, chamber pop, and electronic elements, often blending them in innovative ways.

How has Asher White’s music evolved over the years?

Over the past decade, White has released numerous albums, evolving from sound collages of field recordings to a rich tapestry of sound that incorporates various musical styles and influences.

What themes does White explore in her latest album?

In 8 Tips for Full Catastrophe Living, White explores themes of interdependence, strained relationships, and the intricacies of domestic life, often through the lens of gender dynamics.

What is the significance of the album title?

The title 8 Tips for Full Catastrophe Living suggests a guide for navigating the complexities and chaos of life, reflecting the album’s exploration of love and domestic challenges.