Julia Holter “Willow Weep (2013 Remaster)” (exclusive)

10 Dec 2013 — Henning Lahmann

Originally released by Human Ear Music in 2007, Julia Holter's debut EP Eating the Stars saw its first reissue on cassette by Tokyo-based imprint Sixteen Tambourines in early summer of 2011 in a tiny edition of 40 copies, only a few months before the LA-based artist hit it off with her first proper full-length, the acclaimed Leaving Records release Tragedy. Over the years, much has been written about Holter's evolution from a lo-fi leaning bedroom artist to today's composer who is embracing high-end studio environments for the opulent orchestral arrangements which could be heard on this year's outstanding LP Loud City Song (for example by this humble author, in case you speak German; sadly never found the time to work on a translation), so there's probably no need to recount that narrative right now. After having released three albums within three years that quite well map this development, culminating in Holter being signed by Domino, surely one of the most 'major' of all operating indie labels, the time however seems right for a little contemplation, embodied by a Human Ear holiday special: a handmade, remastered re-release of Eating the Stars.

In label head Jason Grier's own words: "The music has been completely remastered, track-by-track, incorporating vintage analog outboard sounds and re-amplification of many instrumental parts to bring warmth and fullness to the mix. The packaging is hand-folded 300gsm South-Indian Khadi cotton rag paper, red vellum inner lining. The envelope is folded like a 19th century letter, with the edges gold-leafed by hand, and finally sealed with red scented wax."

Below, you may take an exclusive listen to the "new" version of one of my all-time Holter favourites, the beautifully low-key EP closer "Willow Weep". Check it out, and for purely academical reasons, listen to any piece off of Loud City Song immediately afterwards.

Pre-order Eating the Stars now via HEM.