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ANTHEM FOR 1
Conceptual, Composition for Piano, Vinyl, Video
July 04, 2021

This work is the result of an ambivalent relationship to notions of country and belonging, and the rituals that manipulate sentiments in order to bind us to our in-groups. For example I oppose the military, but love the uniforms; I will not stand for the anthem but sometimes hum along under my breath.

In order to alleviate this tension between contempt and pleasure associated with the trappings of patriotism, I commission my own anthem. Something bombastic but unburdened: an ANTHEM FOR 1.

In the spring of 2020, I commission composer Shi-An Costello. We collaborate. I give him an existing composition to start with: a piece of music that is already part of my morning ritual. Some of you may recognize it.

I choose vinyl because some ideas require an object.

Following setbacks and shipping delays, by luck, the final product arrives in the mail on July 3, 2021.

Anthem For 1 is released on the Fourth of July. I celebrate my own Independence Day.