Ann Arbor's Nessa have officially released their third studio album, Otherworld. Nessa is led by feminist, social activist, and flutist Kelly McDermott. The other members of the band include Rob Crozier, tolken bassist, and Mike List, esteemed percussionist. When asked about what drives her to create, McDermott shares, "I work hard to give my audience a positive experience and an escape from our stressful world. I try to provide relief to my listeners from the violence, political nightmares, and chaos." This is exactly what the opening and title-track "Otherworld" does. This gorgeous instrumental guided by the floating flute melody sets the tone for listeners that they are about to be transported elsewhere.
Some artists that Nessa has been compared to are Enya, Brian Eno, and Loreena McKennitt. McDermott officiallu defines Nessa as World Music, Celtic-Inspired, though there are a variety of influences and genre crossovers, even pulling inspiration from hip-hop. Five of the ten tracks reflect feminist themes including all three singles that preceeded the album release. These singles are "A Stitch In Time," "Sovay," and "RBG Reel." Each of these songs are special in their own way. "A Stitch In Time" and "Sovay" detail stories of empowered women and "RBG Reel" is dedicated to US Associate Justice of the Supreme Court, Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Sometimes McDermott is questioned as to why she writes ancient feminist material to which she replies "I need to keep the discussion alive for as long as it takes.”
Stream the tracks talked about above as well as the other numbers on Nessa's latest album Otherworld here!
Catch up with Nessa online:
https://nessamusic.com/
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