Affirmative Action by ZACHARY JAMES WATKINS LP

LP edition of 300 copies. Housed in full color sleeve and printed inner sleeve. Art and design by Faith Coloccia, art direction by Zachary James Watkins. Cut for vinyl by Adam Gonsalves at Telegraph mastering.

Includes digital pre-order of Affirmative Action. You get 1 track now (streaming via the free Bandcamp app and also available as a high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more), plus the complete album the moment it’s released.

Zachary James Watkins - on his practice:

My art investigates the rich area of resonance and I engage in dialogue influenced by past works, current concerns and new directions. Works attempt to immerse the senses bringing to the fore natural phenomenon. I believe that sound can heal and that the conscious investigation of harmonic tunings, acoustic resonance as well as social relationships can yield powerful experiences.

One of my objectives as an artist is to expose natural phenomena. I am interested in the physical aspects of sound and have developed a sensibility that focuses heavily on Resonance. Vibration is at the core of my experience of Resonance. I am moved by natural resonances that exist around us all. My own work strives to develop and nurture Resonances by negotiating sensitive relationships among a number of what I identify as critical ingredients for psychedelic phenomena: resonant bodies exciting harmonic energy creating diverse waves, beating and phase patterns diffused spatially with full dynamic range and a deep attention to the body and how it engages with the environment.

Zachary James Watkins - selected quotes from his liner notes to “Affirmative Action”:

Affirmative Action offers my practice in three formations, each approach reflecting my current sonic and social concerns: 1) solo improvisation on harmonic guitar, electronics and resonant space, 2) through composed notation and 3) ensemble writing involving pros. High Vibration Resonance.

.....

Wide open skies, flat lands descending into canyon, dust storms, thunder, terracotta, dew grass and the long duration cicada song. Deeply sensual, resonant and immersive memories of Texas that I hold close. These images act as an escape and are painted against a backdrop of oppressive and deadly ideologies. Since I can remember, sound and listening have always offered space to reflect and be. Rest in Peace all Victims of Systematic Oppression and Power to the People.
credits
releases March 29, 2024

Depth / Hard Work / Dedication / Art / Design / Performances / Inspiration / Support / Care / Belief / Championship / Time / Resources / Resonance / Relationships / Pain / Loss / Love / Patience / Friendship / Listening / SIGE (Aaron, Faith and Ashley) / The Living Earth Show (Andrew Meyerson / Travis Andrews) Santo Recording / Affirmative Action Composers: Morgan Craft, Ava Mendoza, Ravon Chacon and Sharmi Basu

Recorded and Mixed by Zachary James Watkins at Santo Recording Oakland, California July 25th, 2017 and February 4th through 8th, 2021

All compositions by Zachary James Watkins

"Affirmative Action A-F" and "Texas Jailhouse Rock for Sandra Bland" performed with THE LIVING EARTH SHOW: Andy Meyerson - percussion, Travis Andrews - guitar.
license