Strand of Oaks Takes Us on a Journey Through Miracle Focus
Tim Showalter is in a different place now, and his new Strand of Oaks record, Miracle Focus, shows exactly why. The Indiana-born, Austin native’s latest finds is full of introspection and spiritual transformation. Gone, at least for now, are the cathartic, grieving reckonings of old—as Showalter’s focus has been lent to bold, celebratory, transcendent and meditative lyricism wrapped up with joyous, vibrant soundscapes. Miracle Focus is the best Strand of Oaks album yet, pulling influence from musicians like Alice Coltrane and the Beastie Boys.
“Every moment on Miracle Focus is a piece of the architecture that fits together to form a temple of peace in my life. Acceptance of who you are, gratitude of being part of a connected universe, and ultimately I hope it creates one hell of a dance party,” Showalter says of the record. Upon Miracle Focus‘ release yesterday, we asked Showalter to break down every track from the album. He kindly indulged us, and you can read it all below. Tune in, listen to the album as you go and enjoy.
“More You”
Imagine if you will…The Miracle Focus orchestra getting tuned up and the curtains are drawn revealing the mission statement of the record, “A little more you, a little less me,” relinquishing the ego, embracing everything, giving into love. This record is very rhythm based, and I wanted it to begin in a warm and embracing way. Almost like a moment to stretch before you run the marathon. The entire song was written in one take, lyrics and everything. It’s the closest I’ve ever come to channeling something greater than me.
“Communication”
“Focus in the moment, in a peaceful way”…and so begins the dance. My intention for the album was attempting to translate moments of bliss into the audio form. Finding that liberation through FUN, through movement, through nostalgia, taking one step past experiential living and finding that peaceful place beyond. I wanted to make Communication sound like the type of song I called into a radio station and requested in 1990. My creative partner Kevin Ratterman played drums on the record and I feel like this is a shining achievement of his talents. I definitely feel like Miracle Focus is a “drummers” record.
“Ananda”
Over the course of the past few years I was introduced to the music and life of Alice Coltrane. It was the first time in a circumstance/substance I was ever provided a gateway to the divine connection of being. That place of universal bliss (ananda). What I didn’t anticipate was how deeply sensual meditative practicing is. With all of Miracle Focus there is an intrinsic connection between the sensual and connection with a divine energy. Ananda could just as easily be a celebration of passion for my wife or aligning my body through yoga. With the proper intention they live in the exact place. When you begin to acknowledge that you are a result of the miraculous art of creation and allow peace in your life, it’s pretty amazing how sexy it gets!!!!
It’s okay to be quiet, to really feel it
Just to sit and listen, maybe you can hear it
“Future Temple”
Perhaps the greatest source of influence for Miracle Focus came from painting/painters. Hilma af Klint’s monumental work felt like a constant friend while making this record. My own painting is very informed by Klint’s concept of the temple. What we build, our purpose, fortifying yourself in love and creation. After all this brief moment of existence and the body we are placed in is just a temple to hold to beauty of consciousness. I wanted the lyrics of this song to be a beacon for other seekers to find. It’s incredible to put out your intentions and find so many tuned into the same station. Unified under the beat, moving forward together. I hope this song in a small way can provide that.
Take your time, building the temple
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