duendita’s Reflective Journey in “the mind is a miracle”
A Tender Debut
In 2018, duendita made a poignant entrance into the music scene with her debut album, direct line to My Creator. The Queens-based singer-songwriter intricately wove themes of spirituality, grief, and lineage into her music, painting vivid emotional landscapes. Her work, characterized by a unique blend of soul music and experimental sounds, featured shuffling beats and minimalist guitar and bass, all anchored by her voice, which resonates with the rich depth of a cello.
A New Chapter: “the mind is a miracle”
After six years, duendita returned with her latest EP, the mind is a miracle, recorded predominantly in Berlin and released in the summer of 2023. This new project showcases her growth as an artist, further exploring the depths of her heartfelt music through an expressive fusion of ambient, soul, and pop against lush, piano-driven backdrops.
Exploring Sound and Self
Since her debut, duendita has remained active in her creative endeavors. In March, she launched Sound River, an audiovisual project capturing the essence of New York’s East River. Utilizing a handheld recorder, she collected spontaneous sounds from her surroundings, even immersing it in the river to capture unique reverberations. This method of incorporating field recordings continues in the mind is a miracle, enriching her meditations on mental health and self-confidence with authentic snippets from life.
Musical Composition and Community
The EP opens with gentle piano and the sounds of nature from California’s Redwood National Park, transitioning into the softly strummed guitar of “multi.” In this track, duendita reflects on her struggles, revealing an uplifting turn in her lyrics with the line, “Ooh, believe it, bitch/I’m beaming and it overflows.” Throughout the EP, voice memos from friends and family weave a sense of community and collaboration that has long been integral to her artistry.
Soothing Sounds and Empowering Lyrics
duendita’s music is characterized by a pillow-soft aesthetic that fosters self-discovery and authenticity. In the enchanting track “planetary,” she sings, “Yeah, I don’t mind no waiting/My Lord, He made me patient,” echoing the spiritual themes of her debut. Collaborations with artists like Chicago’s Erik Hunter and New York’s Joy Guidry enhance the soothing atmosphere, with Guidry’s bassoon adding a hypnotic quality to the emotionally charged “feel.”
Balancing Introspection with Playfulness
While the mind is a miracle features deeply introspective moments, it also incorporates playful elements. The standout track “soupie” presents duendita’s voice layered over a muffled club beat, creating a lively, dynamic soundscape that reflects her internal conflicts. Closing the EP, “born with power” serves as a powerful affirmation, with duendita looping her voice into a swirling meditation, declaring, “You were born with power, You don’t have to buy it.”
Conclusion
With the mind is a miracle, duendita has crafted an immersive sonic experience that resonates with emotional depth and clarity. Her exploration of self-confidence, community, and spirituality through soft, intricate compositions showcases her evolution as an artist. The EP stands as a testament to her belief in the power of music as a transformative force, inviting listeners to embrace their own inner strength.
FAQs
What themes does duendita explore in her music?
duendita explores themes of spirituality, grief, self-confidence, and the importance of community and lineage in her music.
What is the significance of field recordings in her work?
Field recordings add authenticity and depth to her compositions, capturing real-life sounds that enrich her meditations on various topics.
How does duendita’s latest EP differ from her debut?
While her debut focused on spirituality and grief, the mind is a miracle expands on these themes by emphasizing self-confidence and incorporating a broader range of sounds and collaborations.
Who are some collaborators featured in “the mind is a miracle”?
Collaborators include Chicago musician Erik Hunter and New York-based bassoonist Joy Guidry, who contribute unique sounds to the EP.
What is the overall message of “the mind is a miracle”?
The EP encourages listeners to embrace their inner strength and authenticity, emphasizing the idea that one is inherently powerful and does not need external validation.
