Videos
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.