On Late Blooming, Rebuilding and Artistic Growth: Sound Artist Little Mazarn
As we prepare for BABES FEST 2019, we’re sharing interviews with some of the artists on our lineup. Today, we’re featuring words from slow music sound artist Little Mazarn. You can catch Little Mazarn on Day Three of the fest at The Hang.
WHO: LITTLE MAZARN
The music of Little Mazarn is a cool float a few feet from the ground through a dimly lit, almost familiar forest. It is quieter than silence, big as everything, still but always moving. If you’ve ever had flying dreams, or an amazing night time bike ride on LSD, this might be a world for you. Chords are made up of notes; Little Mazarn gives them all their own moment. There are NO superfluous notes played here.
Lindsey’s kind and twisting voice ambles along over the spare sounds of Jeff Johnston’s saw bowing, Ralph White’s electric mbira wanderings, and her own slow banjo. Like DJ Screw, Bohren, Der Club of Gore and anyone who chooses to walk instead of ride, Lindsey realizes the amazing power of slow, slow, slow music. Lindsey is at once a baby and a wise old man.
How would you describe who you are and what you do?
Musician, artist, teacher, friend.
What are some of your current projects?
I freelance as a musician, I play on recordings and in people’s bands. I most recently played on a beautiful record by my friend Will Johnson this will be coming out in September. Sometimes I play with Thor and friends in Austin and with Ethan Azarian. I also have my own band called Little Mazarn and sing gospel music with my family in the Mcmercy family band. I make posters for bands using a letterpress and making my own linocut blocks.
When did you start fully owning your identity as an artist/creative?
I have been kind of a late bloomer. I started writing my own songs at age 35. I’m 37 now. It feels late, but I’m having the time of my life so I don’t care.
Can you remember any mindset shift you experienced at that time?
I think it’s true that the most interesting people have had their lives completely fall apart and have had to rebuild themselves. That might be what happened to me. It seemed like everything I had been doing creatively up until then sort of ended at the same time and I felt hopeless and lost. Then I slowly started to pick up the pieces and realized I can do this on my own.
What do you with the general public could better understand about your work as a creative/artist?
I would love to be an example for any other shy introverted people to try creative expression even if it seems daunting or scary. It’s all about the process, it changes you, the reward is intangible.
At BABES FEST, we're all about making space. How do you make space for creativity within your life?
I think my main struggle is recognizing the difference between creative work and marketing/promotion. It’s easy to waste a lot of time worrying about how to get yourself out there, and I have to remind myself that the best way to connect with people is to make good work that speaks for itself.
What are some of themes, mediums and/or practices that you're currently exploring in your work?
Realism, sincerity, exploration, texture, minimalism, electric vs. acoustic.
How do you approach personal and professional patience?
It takes me a long time to write songs. I try to forgive myself and be gentle.
What's something you unlearned lately that you're grateful for?
I don’t have look like anyone or sing like anyone. Just try my best every day and be grateful. It’s very freeing.
If you weren't you—let's say, you're instead your best friend—what would you be most proud of yourself for?
I’ve written a couple good songs that really touch people. That’s success.
What are you most excited about for BABES FEST? What do you want to share with those who attend and the fellow artists on the lineup?
Connection, enthusiasm, encouragement, ideas.
BABES FEST is an ~ annual convening of minds ~ in Austin, Texas, celebrating and amplifying women and nonbinary artists. As a weekend-long exhibition, our performances, panels, pop-up markets, film screenings and networking hours span music, film, art, creative education and comedy. Our daily schedule, 3-day passes and one-day passes for BABES FEST 2019 are available now.
~ everybody’s welcome. ~