In the Aftermath, there was despondency and recrimination and no small amount of despair. My first instinct caught me a little off guard: I felt the intense urge to take care, of myself, my family, my friends, those I knew could use the boost. Maybe that’s you. Whatever the case, I think this audio episode arrives right on time. It’s a conversation with Samora Pinderhughes, a pianist, composer, bandleader and singer — as well as an activist and community-builder.
Samora has a new album out titled Venus Smiles Not in the House of Tears. It’s about the dissolution of a romantic relationship, and the ugly truths that such a process can expose. It’s about self-examination, introspection, and ultimately an insistence that we all deserve a second chance. But also, it’s about realizing that you have to create those conditions for yourself, because nobody can do it for you.
Samora and I had a great conversation about this album, and the willingness to put it all out there. We also talked about the new era of self-care in the music realm, and what it means to prioritize wellness in an industry that famously doesn’t support it. I learned a few things from this conversation, and especially in this tender cultural moment, I think you will too.
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