Words and Illustration

Tomorrow marks the official release of my first album in 12 years, so I thought I would give you a brief introduction to the title track of the record,  The Lake of Sand and Stone and write openly about it’s meaning.

The Lake of Sand and Stone is literally about sinking into a low state while not being able to see a way out of the murkiness. This state is also commonly referred to as depression.

Depression is destabilising. You cannot see what is above you or around and it taints the positives in your life. In this state, it can seem like you are always failing while everyone else is achieving. You become awash with emotions and pressure. You are met with feelings of failure. These feelings become overwhelming. They feelings can even make you believe it might be better if you disappeared.

This song is about sinking into that deep state, despite your best efforts to do so otherwise. Sometimes the pressure is too much. What happens when you get to the bottom of these emotions, is there anywhere else to go?  To use a well coined phrase, you can either sink or swim. Despite knowing that I am incredibly blessed and lucky, in the last few years, I have sunk more than I wanted. I know now that I am not the only one who feels this way. (We’re not alone anymore, and the lake is my bed).

Developing words and music is one of the main strategies I have to help me process the feelings around depression. In doing so, it has given me some mental control over the condition.

I am intimidated by the tone of social media and I find it a dangerous space at times. But what I will say is that I feel comfortable talking about emotions in and around my music. In doing so, I hope it opens up an understanding of the condition and the utmost importance of providing a supportive culture and environment around loved ones, friends and colleagues who are currently within the depths of this thinking.

Many thanks,

tylea

“The Lake of Sand and Stone” was produced, recorded and mixed by Jamie Trevaskis at Wild Mountain Sound Studio and features:  tylea vocals/guitar/keys; Jamie Trevaskis on sound; and Mia Goodwin on vocals. It was mastered by Steve Smart at Studios 301, Sydney.

Official Album Release date through Reverie Records:  Tuesday, August 15

Feature Image by John Feely

Make-Up by Emma-Louise Diamond

Wardrobe by Madonna Devaney

Album Launch presented by Electric Moon

with Almaryse and Mark Tropicana

Plus special guests: Jamie Trevaskis, Mia Goodwin, Dan McNaulty, Janey Mac, Chris Dale, Mardi Lumsden

Poster

Photo Art by John Feely

Make up by Emma Louise

Graphic Art by Brett Harris

Today, I am launching a video for Dark River, and I would like to introduce you to Almaryse – the artist behind the video’s creation. Over the years, Almaryse has been part of many colourful and unique ventures, but as part of this blog, I wanted to talk to her about her work as a video artist on Dark River.

Almaryse, what made you decide to make this clip?

I’ve always had an interest in photography and visuals, and I’m a big fan of Tylea’s. I basically just said to her, “Do you reckon I could have a go at making a clip for you?” I asked her which song, and she gave me Dark River to listen to. We talked about what style and influences she would like me to use, with Film Noir with David Lynch being her fave, I straight away began having ideas. We also decided to just use my iPhone. It’s pretty great what you can achieve with your phone, actually! A far cry from when you’d have to sit in the place where the phone was plugged in and you’d answer the phone ‘4KQ’s my radio station’…maybe that was just in our house but that’s a fair while ago now.

Have you made videos before, and if so, who for?

I’ve had a hand in creating videos for my own musical acts too over the years.

Maiden Speech ‘Gypsy Wife’

Frill of the Fight ‘Hot Pink Sun’

In these, I’ve mainly had a humorous approach and it’s nice to show my serious side through Tylea’s clip. I found myself getting emotional throughout the process too which was fairly cathartic.

How did you shoot the film?

Entirely on iPhone….I love how entirely sounds like en-Tylea…but back to the process…

We decided to keep it simple and……………….. create a vintage imagery of Film Noir-esque and B&W Lynchian influences. I like that. We also did the glamour shots in Tylea’s home, using:  lights from my DJ set up (I also DJ kids parties as Best DJ EVA);  a few encyclopaedia books under the tripod legs (to get the height just right); and in the bathtub, which provides some of the ethereal shots which conjure baptismal and devastating drowning images. Quite dark!! I deliberately chose the last shot of Tylea inhaling to leave us with a sense of relief and hope.

I spent a couple of hours exploring the banks of Brisbane River to capture the shots that I washed over Tylea throughout, and was so excited at the black ink-like substance which I caught oozing from holes in the riverbank. Hopefully, it was something natural, not pollution –– definitely a striking image though. A good day out too, although I did ruin my sneakers in the mud. Worth it! #loveyabrisbane

What were your roles in making the video?

Tylea trusted me with glue and a mean pair of lashes, which we joked were a whole OTHER character of their own in the clip. Tylea is a total movie star in this video and she somehow doesn’t realise just how gorgeous she is. Of course that’s part of her charm. I captured her rawness and beauty in this video, and while she appears bare she is actually wearing a wraparound  (for the record). But maybe we can maintain the mystery.

Video Artist, Almaryse

Dark River by Tylea

Tylea: vocals, keys I Jamie Trevaskis: guitar shaping I Mia Goodwin: haunting vocals I Janey Mac: bass I Dan McNaulty: drums

Produced, Recorded and Mixed by Jamie Trevaskis @ Wild Mountain Sound Studio

Mastered by Steve Smart Studios 301, Sydney

Hey Folks,

Dark River is the first track from my forthcoming album, “The Lake of Sand and Stone”.  The single will be officially launched at the Junk Bar, on Saturday, April 22  (Asha Jeffries supporting).  On the night, I will be accompanied by some incredible guests including the album’s producer, Jamie Trevaskis; Mia Goodwin (vocals), Janey Mac (bass) and Dan McNaulty (drums).  The 7.30 pm show has already sold out, and a collective decision has been made to play a second pre-dinner show at 5 pm on the same day (no support here). Tickets are available through the Junk Bar website/Oztix.

Dark River will be available to stream from April 7, through Reverie Records (Tylea and the Imaginary Music Score, Colour Your Insecurities), and is currently available through my bandcamp page.

I am really proud of this single (and the record) and need to praise Jamie Trevaskis for what he has achieved here as a producer.  I am also very thankful to these guests who sonically coloured the record:  Mia (your voice is amazing), Janey, Dan, Chris Dale and Scott Bromley.  12 years have passed since my last release (Colour Your Insecurities), but in that time, the process of shaping music and weaving words has still reverberated around me, like static.   And so I believe this record is really a celebration of ‘rediscovering one’s own strength’.

Though the incubation of “The Lake of Sand and Stone”, I have been buoyed by undeniable support from Lachlan, my ever-patient husband (and our children); the Junk Bar; the Rainworth community; Carol; and close family and friends who protected me at times when I wasn’t aligned well.  I feel grateful to have had the opportunity to create yet again.  What a privilege!

I can only say that I am sorry it has been so long — my doubts got in the way.