Words, Non-words And Music with Julia Holter

How do we experience language in music, both as composers and listeners? What kind of meaning exists in words that are sung/uttered in music? Is it a different kind of meaning than the meaning found in words used for everyday communication? Is it possible that there is a better word for a word that is sung (for instance, “song-word”)? We will explore these questions by listening to all kinds of vocal music that utilizes conventional words, made-up words, multi-lingual texts, mumbles, babbles, sighs, etc.

Julia Holter is a composer, performer, and recording artist based in Los Angeles. Her interest in sonic mysteries has led her to record in various settings – in her home, outside with a field recorder, and in recording studios – as well as to perform live, often with a focus on the voice and the space between language and babble. Holter’s music is multi-layered and texturally rich. She has amassed a body of work that explores melody within free song structures, atmosphere, and the impulses of the voice. She has released five studio albums: Aviary (2018), Have You In My Wilderness (2015), Loud City Song (2013), Ekstasis (2012), and Tragedy (2011). Holter has performed her music at venues and festivals throughout the world with an ensemble of creative musicians. She has written music for the Los Angeles Philharmonic and other ensembles, as well as scores for the TV show “Pure” (2019) and the film “Bleed for This” (2016).