Born in the Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan and now calling North Carolina his home, Tashi Dorji’s musical journey is a testament to the power of diverse influences and personal expression. This cultural fusion is evident in his work, which eminates as both a beacon of hope and a torch of defiance.
Even in its most abstract forms, his compositions carry weight and meaning beyond mere sound. As Dorji himself puts it, “Making music in these dark times feels meaningless but it is what we do, small anthems to muddle through.” This sentiment encapsulates the duality of art in troubled times – a seeming futility juxtaposed with an undeniable necessity.
The opening track, “begin from here,” embodies this ethos. With its pounding opening riff, the song carries a torch of resistance and solidarity. Dorji’s guitar, deliberately dampened, rattled, and tuned down, projects a collective feel that transcends the traditional “lone gunslinger” image often associated with solo guitarists. It’s a call to arms, not with weapons, but with sound and spirit.
The new album “we will be wherever the fires are lit” serves as a spiritual successor to his 2020 release “Stateless.” Featuring ten improvised tracks that showcase Dorji’s mastery of guitar preparations and unconventional tunings, the new album demonstrates a continuous and relentless journey of creation and collaboration.
His list of musical partners reads like a who’s who of the experimental music scene, including names like Susie Ibarra, Bill Orcutt, Elliott Sharp, and Joe McPhee, among many others. The accompanying music video, directed by Roberto Lange (also known as Helado Negro), adds another layer of artistic interpretation to Dorji’s already rich musical tapestry.
His upcoming album and tour dates offer music lovers a chance to experience something truly unique – a fusion of cultural influences, political consciousness, and raw musical talent. It speaks to the idea that in times of struggle and uncertainty, art and music can serve as rallying points – metaphorical fires around which we gather for inspiration.