Tashi Dorji Announces New Album and Shares New Single “Begin from Here”

Tashi Dorji will release his new album We Will Be Wherever the Fires Are Lit on November 22 through Drag City. This upcoming album follows his 2020 release, Stateless, and features ten improvised tracks. For this project, Dorji incorporates various guitar preparations, including the use of tape for muting, metal objects for creating a buzzing sound, and alternate tunings. He describes the album as a “sort of a sequel” to Stateless, though there are no set rules governing the music. The first single from the album, titled “Begin from Here,” has been released, along with a music video directed by Roberto Lange (also known as Helado Negro).

Title: We Will Be Wherever the Fires Are Lit
Artist: Tashi Dorji
Release Date: 2024-11-22
Genres: Experimental Music, Psych-folk
Label: Drag City
Description: Tashi Dorji's new album We Will Be Wherever the Fires Are Lit arrives on Nov 22, featuring improvised guitar tracks and a new single with a video by Roberto Lange.

In discussing his creative process, Dorji acknowledges the challenges of making music during difficult times but insists that it remains an essential activity. He describes his music as a form of resistance, stating that he finds solace in the dissonance and harmonics produced by his guitar. Dorji views his music as inherently political, emphasizing that all aspects of life are influenced by political context. His improvisational style reflects this perspective, as he plays without preconceived structures, allowing the music to evolve naturally.

The track “Begin from Here” opens the album with a strong, rhythmic guitar riff. Dorji’s technique on this piece involves dampened strings and altered tunings, creating a sound that contrasts the traditional image of a lone guitarist. His improvisational approach builds on resonant moments, introducing variations that develop into complex, layered performances. Throughout the album, his raw, unpolished playing style is intended to evoke emotions and ideas that words alone might not convey.

Tashi Dorji, originally from Bhutan, moved to Asheville, North Carolina in 2000. Since the release of Stateless, he has remained highly active, both as a solo artist and in collaboration with others. His recent collaborators include Susie Ibarra, Alex Zhang Hungtai, Bill Orcutt, Michael Zerang, Elliott Sharp, Audrey Chen, Sally Gates, Marshall Trammell, Efrim Manuel Menuck, Aaron Turner, Dave Rempis, and Joe McPhee. This fall, Dorji will join Godspeed You! Black Emperor on their European tour and Six Organs of Admittance for their U.S. tour. Tickets for both tours are currently available.

Dorji’s artistic journey has been marked by continuous exploration and collaboration across various genres and musical traditions. Raised in Bhutan, Dorji was exposed to diverse musical influences from an early age. After relocating to the United States, he became immersed in the experimental and improvised music scenes, which shaped his approach to the guitar. His work often involves blending traditional and avant-garde elements, resulting in a unique sound that is both rooted in his heritage and forward-looking. Throughout his career, Dorji has been associated with a wide range of artists and musical projects, making him a significant figure in contemporary experimental music.

In addition to his upcoming album release, Dorji shared a set of reflective statements, expressing his perspective on the current state of the world. His words emphasize the themes of resistance, renewal, and persistence that are central to his music. As he continues to perform and record, Dorji’s work remains focused on exploring these ideas through his distinctive improvisational style.

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