Kate Morrissey
With her soothing voice and sincere lyrics, Kate Morrissey oozes tranquility and conscientiousness. According to her, this peaceful nature stems from two sources: her work as a yoga instructor and her life as a twin. Morrissey’s new album, Love Songs for Twins, is an expression of both experiences.
“There’s a sweetness to [the album] that I think is different than albums I’ve written previously,†she says. “At the end of my yoga classes, I offer the [incantation] ‘May I be well, may all beings be well.’ This kind of practice has increased my tenderness for the world, for other people and for myself.â€
Not only has yoga fostered the openness that characterizes Morrissey’s writing, but the practice of deep breathing has done wonders for her already powerful lungs. Further, it was through yoga that she met seasoned drummer John Norris. Despite an initial hesitation to play with a drummer, she now says, “I have come to greatly admire the sensitivity of his… rhythms. I trust him.†(Morrissey is also intimately connected to her guitarist and cello player, Roger Stahl, who doubles as her spouse.)
Love Songs for Twins utilizes yogi awareness to investigate what it means to be a twin. “In [one] song on the album, I explore the idea of twin-ness as a stand-in for something like unconditional love… It’s this question of how to sense our basic similarity and connection as people. I don’t have the answer, but to me it’s an important question—and not just for biological twins.â€
She also examines human connections through her own performances; her music both emphasizes and facilitates community. “I always look forward to seeing the amazing range of people who come to the show[s],” she says. “I have met so many friends and people I greatly admire [while] playing music.”
Like what you just read? Support Flagpole by making a donation today. Every dollar you give helps fund our ongoing mission to provide Athens with quality, independent journalism.
