I first connected with Bay Area artist and producer Mickelson in 2019 when he produced Blanket the Homeless, a wonderful benefit album to support programs for the homeless in San Francisco. He followed that project with a solo album Drowning in an Inflatable Pool, a one of my favorite releases of that year. And now comes Known To Be Unknown, scheduled for release on 15 April.
Mickelson isn’t afraid to speak his mind, and the last few years have given him plenty about which to write. “A Murder of Crows”, from the forthcoming album, focuses on division in America and specifically the response to Covid. Mickelson reflects on the discourse around masks, vaccinations, and personal freedom, set against an ominous banjo backdrop.
Says Mickelson about the song: “Although the pandemic now seems to be winding down when I wrote “A Murder Of Crows” we were at the beginning of the lockdown. No one knew what would happen next. I’m pretty sure every musician was staggering around their home trying to channel that restless energy into music. In my case it was the banjo and the initial riff came quickly. Seeing the world’s reaction to the first pandemic of our generation presented a myriad of ideas to write about.”
Twangville is honored to premiere the single “A Murder of Crows”.
Wrap me and comfort me
But don’t get too close
Because we’re giving up our freedom
For temporary safety
A conspiracy of ravens
A murder of crows
About the author: Mild-mannered corporate executive by day, excitable Twangville denizen by night.