New York singer-songwriter Odetta Hartman unveils her latest single, “Goldilocks,” accompanied by a visually stunning piece directed by Bao Ngo. The track is a vibrant addition to Hartman’s upcoming album, “Swansongs,” scheduled for release on March 22 via Transgressive Records.
Odetta shares insights into the evolution of “Goldilocks,” describing its origins as a sassy banjo ditty crafted backstage in San Francisco, inspired by Grimes. The song then underwent a transformation into an early 2000s rock vibe with the collaboration of bandmates Lucy Arnell & Wyatt Bertz during a tour with Lola Kirke. The final iteration emerged as a dynamic dance bop infused with lyrical references to fairy tales and the musical “Gypsy,” creating a lively and tongue-in-cheek anthem with vaudeville influences.
The accompanying music video, inspired by the technicolor transition in “The Wizard of Oz,” begins in a black-and-white setting reminiscent of “Dr. No.” The visual journey unfolds from Catskills Gothic to Vaudeville Gimmick, aligning with the evolving world of “Swansongs.” The lyrics pay homage to Gypsy, incorporating elements of femme power anthem and stage silliness to deliver a captivating and entertaining experience.
Following her debut mini-LP 222 and 2018’s Old Rockhounds Never Die, which saw her touring her unique performance style, part Jack White rock and roll folk blues, part electronic experimentations, with the likes of Let’s Eat Grandma, Cosmo Sheldrake and Skullcrusher, Odetta returns with her strongest set of songs to date on Swansongs – another fever dream of a record including the experimental pop of “Goldilocks”, the dramatic string lead single “Dr No.” and her radical re-working of the traditional “Motherless Child” first made famous by her namesake Odetta.
Equally inspired by AG Cook’s Apple & New Orleans trad jazz, the musical mixology of these songs cycle spans various genres of folk, americana, pop, punk, soul, ambient & spiritual. Lyrically, it tenders the tension of two truths in opposition, through its inquisition of the interplay between fear and desire. Dichotomy is at the heart of this deep exploration into shadow work, mythological musings, healing frequencies, eclectic expressions, and the art of sculpted sound.
Constrained by the unique circumstances of modern isolation, Odetta and her co-producers – Alex Friedman and Wyatt Bertz – production style was mitigated by the digital interface of remote collaboration. Synthesizers worked overtime to translate plunky banjos into lush wooden textures and shape white noise transitions into ASMR delights. They cast the widest nets in spite of life’s limitations and diligently discovered the unexpected inside jokes. Versions upon versions ended up on the cutting room floor until the songs resembled quilted sound collages woven by their three meticulous hands. Together they sharpened their tools and created a cathartic snapshot to capture the lightning of the historic moment.
Swansongs is a dynamic and powerful reflection of love and ambition, hopeful, energetic and at times chaotic but always captivating.
Pre-order Swansongs HERE