They say “may you live in interesting times was originally meant to be a curse”. Regardless, we are definitely living in such times and modern-day politics, the Covid pandemic, Black Lives Matter and a myriad of other protests (both at home and stateside) have turned 2020 into one of the most “interesting” years on record (within our own lifetime).

The new ‘Shooting Star’ single from Atlanta-based indie pop duo I Am a Rocketship seems to be a nod to the lives of those individuals lost in the struggle for a kinder and better America (and the role that they have played), comparing them to shooting stars. A brilliant metaphor for the lights that have gone out, one by one.

This first single forebodes the duo’s new ‘oRAnGE’ EP, which was fully written and recorded during the 2020 pandemic. This collection of five new songs was inspired by a highly tragic series of current events.

The frustration, sadness and rage resulting from the rise of authoritarianism, accelerating environmental collapse, and the coronavirus pandemic had kept the songwriting / performing duo busy. After all, it was not very long ago at all since they released their latest long-play and an accompanying video.

From the isolation and sadness of ‘Shooting Star’ to the wordless fury of the title track ‘oRAnGE’, to the call to fight fascism in ‘Back From the Shadows’, this EP is about the emotions of a turbulent time.

“These songs came about really quickly, and recording was fast, too. We went for the simplest recordings of anything we’ve done, trying to just get the essence of the songs with the fewest layers and tricks possible. It’s the most emotionally direct collection we’ve made,” says guitarist and programmer Eric Weissinger.

“This spring, our world suddenly got a lot smaller and our plans for touring and traveling were cancelled,” adds Scandinavian singer and keyboardist L E Kippner. “Through our feelings of isolation and anger came the realization that we are all going through this together. These songs are our way of sharing the experience of this year with others.”

Eric Weissinger had backed up various artists and opened for bands such as The Wedding Present, The Black Crowes, James, Cracker and Portastatic, but everything changed thanks to a chance meeting with L E Kippner – cellist, scientist, radio DJ and singer for Swedish synth-pop duo Neobox. At first forming Hitchcock Blondes in Ohio, they relocated to Atlanta to try new ideas as I Am a Rocketship.

As of October 27, ‘Shooting Star’ will be released digitally and available across stores and streaming platforms. It can be ordered directly from the band via Bandcamp. The ‘Orange’ EP will be released on November 20.

TRACK LIST
1. Shooting Star
2. God’s Country
3. oRAnGE
4. The Light in Your Eyes
5. Back From The Shadows

I Am a Rocketship
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