>> Announcement << A note from Dana Relocation to Berlin // Lineup Changes // New Album
Insect Ark is now officially based in Berlin! This complex & vibrant city is now our official HQ, making it easier to focus on work, collaborations, and travels/tours within Europe.
Insect Ark turned 10 this year. This coincided with the crazy whirlwind of the last 1.5 years, with forced separations everywhere we turned, and huge losses on so many levels in the music world & in life. With uncertain times still ahead, it’s been a time of big questions. Making music/art/whatever really feels more crucial than ever. I've had a deep desire (personally/musically) to sharpen focus and to simplify, while also becoming more expansive. I love “doing it all” (writing/recording/looping/playing all the parts) and I welcome a good challenge. But I’m more interested in evolution.
So, the changes:
The “duo band” format will now make room for occasional outside collaborators, but I’ll remain the band’s main member/writer. I’ll keep doing solo work too, alongside the band version. Welcoming this flexibility feels really good.
Andy Patterson (drums) who played/toured for 2020’s The Vanishing will be taking leave. He’s focusing on The Otolith & on his recording studio in Salt Lake City. The 5000+ mile gap between us and a year of Covid-induced dislocation was a tough recipe for making progress as a band. Over the time apart we both had shifted priorities, so we made the mutual decision. I’m super proud of the music we did together and grateful for all Andy’s work, and for our continued friendship.
I’m excited to announce that now joining me on drums is none other than Tim Wyskida (Khanate, Blind Idiot God, Azonic), who now also resides in Berlin as a fellow NYC expat. Tim’s dedication to sound, his creative vigor and work ethic, paired with his exceptional skills as a drummer/percussionist are very exciting developments for Insect Ark, as I’ve been a huge fan of his work for years.
The writing & demos for the upcoming full-length record are 75% done. There have been the obvious delays and obstacles, but I feel like the wait + these new developments will help make this the best Insect Ark music ever. We’ve been working hard on planning the next steps for 2022 and beyond, so I hope you’ll stay tuned, there are a lot more exciting things to be announced soon.
Thank you for your time in reading, and wishing you all strength, courage and good health in all you do.
– Dana