When the Distance Is Blue: Exploring Macie Stewart’s Second Solo Album
Inspiration Behind the Title
The title of Macie Stewart’s sophomore solo album, When the Distance Is Blue, draws from Rebecca Solnit’s reflective essay “The Blue of Distance,” which delves into themes of longing and absence. This thematic resonance sets the stage for Stewart’s explorative soundscapes, marking her evolution as a Chicago-based composer and multi-instrumentalist.
The Conceptual Framework
An Eight-Part Suite of Ambient Exploration
When the Distance Is Blue is an eight-part suite characterized by improvisational chamber ambient music. Stewart’s work creates an ethereal atmosphere that captures the essence of an "in-between" space, allowing listeners to peer into the depths of absence without seeking immediate resolution. The album is a testament to her ability to evoke profound emotions using minimalistic tools, crafting multitudes from simplicity.
The Creative Process
From Piano Improvisations to Collaborative Soundscapes
The genesis of the album lies in Stewart’s improvisations on her first instrument, the piano. In the studio, she prepared the piano using contact microphones and various small objects, inviting a unique sonic texture. As the project evolved, she integrated recordings from her year on the road, channeling the disorientation of touring into fluid auditory shapes. Stewart has expressed a desire to evoke a sense of nostalgia for something unnamed, stating, “No matter where I am, there’s always something that’s far away from me.”
Collaborations That Ground the Sound
The presence of her collaborators—friends from the vibrant Chicago experimental scene—serves to anchor Stewart’s ethereal explorations. The album opens with “I Forget How to Remember My Dreams,” featuring extemporaneous cello from Lia Kohl, a longtime collaborator. On “Murmuration/Memorization,” Kohl’s cello and Whitney Johnson’s viola intertwine with Stewart’s wordless vocals, as she conducts the soundscape like a choir, creating an atmosphere rich with swelling drones and delicate pointillist plucks.
Distinctive Characteristics of the Album
Emphasis on Piano and Minimalism
When the Distance Is Blue stands out in Stewart’s diverse catalog due to its central piano presence and the absence of lyrics. This minimalistic approach aligns it more closely with her 2020 collaboration with Kohl than with her previous ventures, such as the art-rock duo Finom or the folk-infused sounds of her debut, Mouth Full of Glass. By stripping away the complexity of her earlier works, Stewart draws inspiration from the focused artistry exhibited by her collaborators in projects like Kohl’s The Ceiling Reposes and Johnson’s Sonescent.
Key Tracks and Themes
The Lead Single: “Spring Becomes You, Spring Becomes New”
The album’s lead single and central piece, “Spring Becomes You, Spring Becomes New,” exemplifies both lushness and exploration. Built around repeating piano motifs and bell-like chimes, this track showcases Stewart’s collagist approach. Whether improvising with fellow musicians like Kohl, Johnson, and double bassist Zach Moore, or layering vocal improvisations captured in a Parisian apartment (“Stairwell (Before and After)”), she remains captivated by the uncertain and the unknown.
Field Recordings: A Window to the World
Two field recordings on the album reflect Stewart’s intent to weave the external world into her music. “Tsukiji,” recorded at the famous Tokyo fish market, is alive with voices and footsteps, transforming a car engine’s sound into something almost melodic amid the bustling atmosphere. Similarly, “In Between,” captured at Osaka airport, serves as a microcosm of transience, with droning strings navigating through a sea of conversations. These ephemeral tracks bolster the album’s spiritual core, enriching the slow presence of the more extended pieces.
Conclusion
When the Distance Is Blue represents a significant chapter in Macie Stewart’s artistic journey, showcasing her ability to blend improvisation with ambient soundscapes. By embracing themes of longing and absence while staying rooted in collaborative efforts, Stewart has crafted an album that resonates deeply with listeners, inviting them to explore the nuances of distance—both emotional and physical.
FAQs
What inspired Macie Stewart to create When the Distance Is Blue?
The album’s title is inspired by Rebecca Solnit’s essay “The Blue of Distance,” which reflects on themes of longing. Stewart sought to evoke a sense of nostalgia for something unnamed through her music.
What instruments are featured on the album?
The album prominently features prepared piano, cello, viola, voice, and field recordings, all contributing to its ambient and improvisational sound.
How does this album differ from Stewart’s previous works?
Unlike her earlier projects, When the Distance Is Blue focuses heavily on piano and minimalism, moving away from the complexity found in her art-rock and folk influences.
Who are some of the collaborators on this album?
Stewart collaborated with several musicians from the Chicago experimental scene, including Lia Kohl (cello), Whitney Johnson (viola), and Zach Moore (double bass), who contributed to the album’s rich soundscapes.
