Mary Jane Dunphe’s Midnight Walk: From Björk’s Ethereality to the Streets of NYC
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Mary Jane Dunphe, known from the echelons of bands like Vexx, CCFX, and Pinocchio, has graced us with her debut solo effort, “Stage Of Love”. Released on Pop Wig Records, this album invites listeners to traverse the quiet streets from midnight till dawn, accompanied by the soft chirps of awakening birds.
Describing her creation, Mary refers to it as a deep dive into self-awareness. Not one to tread the path of the contemporary fast-paced music-making process, she values the slow burn, viewing the album as a reflection of her evolution. She’s not about instant hits, but rather, the pure artistic pursuit, reminiscent of the golden age of music.
The layers of influence embedded in this album are vast, encompassing legends like Björk, Robert Wyatt, and Rowland S. Howard. The enigmatic quote by Jacque Lacan, “To love is to give something you don’t have to someone who doesn’t want it”, not only influenced the album’s title but also becomes the psychological underpinning of Mary’s work.
From the melodic richness of Section 25’s “From the Hip” to Robert Wyatt’s soul-stirring “Sea Song”, from Björk’s ethereal vocals in “Show Me Forgiveness” to the emotional intensity of Tones on Tail’s “The Rain”, Mary’s influences crisscross a mosaic of musical artistry. They’re reflective of her eclectic musical taste, with even casual bicycling and the solitude of late nights or early mornings playing their part in shaping her sound.
The meditative process of absorbing a page or two from Jacque Lacan’s lectures on Anxiety provides a cerebral depth to her music. She’s not just creating tracks but emotional narratives, threaded with the themes of desire, longing, and perhaps a sprinkle of existential musings.
Dunphe’s commitment to her craft doesn’t end with this album. Fans can also look forward to her upcoming performances, supporting bands like Spirit of the Beehive and Angel Du$t.
“Stage Of Love” stands as a testament to Mary Jane Dunphe’s commitment to deep, reflective artistry. Through the many shades of her influences, one thing is clear: Dunphe is not merely creating songs, but emotions, memories, and an atmospheric journey through the quietest hours of the night.
Learn more about Mary Jane Dunphe
