Winter Mailing List Email

Hi Friends,

I’m trying to not freeze my fingers off as I sit in my dorm room with a fuzzy blanket on my lap typing out this email. I’m glad to be back on campus after Winter break, but dorm life requires compromises — and unfortunately, both of my roommates insist on keeping their fans on even when the tempurature outside is below zero. At least I have a large supply of tea and plenty of blankets to keep me warm. While many are nervously awaiting and prepping for tomorrow’s snow storm, I take great comfort in the fact that I am no longer responsible for clearing snow (at least for the next four years!) I started a new set of classes this semester and I’m especially looking forward to a Children’s Educational Media class that happens to be taught by my advisor, as well as Sculpture II.

In darker news, I’m sure everyone has seen the atrocities being committed by ICE in Minnesota and around the country. It’s a scary time in our country for immigrants especially, but really for all Ameridans. Just as always, it’s crucial that we stand together, stay strong, and keep fighting violence and tyranny. I ask that everyone reading this email tries their best to do something small to further the cause of justice and peace in our country and around the world. Yesterday, I attended a rally in New Haven with around thirty other Wesleyan students as well as students from Yale and residents of New Haven. The locals came out and protested New Haven style: with protest signs made out of pizza boxes! If attending a rally isn't for you, consider donating to support a good cause or even checking in on a friend. My favorite speaker at the protest reminded me that we were all there because we know a better future is possible. That future starts with all of us.

On the music front, there are lots of big announcements on the way, but you’re gonna have to wait just a little longer to hear what I’ve been working on. If you're impatient and want the announcements sooner, please consider supporting my work financially by joining my patreon. For as little as $1 per month, you gain access to all sorts of behind-the-scenes and exclusive content, as well as my patreon-only instagram account where I post regular updates.

I’ve been fortunate enough to see two incredible live music performances so far this year! Neko Case at the Troy Savings Bank Music Hall was an enchanting and unforgettable night. After this show, I was inspired to go back and listen to every single one of her albums. Her voice is truly one of a kind and her lyrics are cryptic yet captivating. I highly recommend you check her out if you’re not already a fan.

Last June, I was home alone for a week and I got super into a small indie band from LA called Cheekface. They are certainly very different from everything else I listen to, but I think that’s why I found their music so refreshing. Back in October, they announced a show in Brooklyn and I impulsively bought a ticket for myself hoping I could convince a friend to join me and buy their own ticket. Unfortunately, the show sold out in two days and I was stuck going to the show by myself. I did not regret my decision one bit and had an absolute blast seeing Cheekface at Zone One, a small venue near Bushwick. If you think you’d like catchy, unserious, nerdy and mildly political pop songs, I’d recommend giving them a listen. They live on the musical spectrum half way in between Das Racist and They Might Be Giants. I enjoyed staying the night at a friend’s house and immersing myself in the spontaneity of city life for a day.

As I plan for the summer, I’m continuing to search for house concert hosts as well as beds to sleep on up and down the east coast. If you’re interested in hosting an intimate performance for you and your friends in your very own living room, check out this form or respond to this email.

A random side note: Can Opener Bridge tee shirts will be back in stock soon! Please let me know if you want one! I know a bunch of people wanted them, but they sold out and I didn't get a chance to re-order them until now.

Once again, I’m attaching a brief annotated photo dump from the last couple months so you can see what I’ve been up to! As always, I'd love to hear from you too and I will read and reply to every single person who responds to this email. Thank you all for your continued support and I wish everyone a warm and cozy winter.

All the best,

Simon

Recording electric guitar with Xander Starobin