To say 2019 has been a busy year for Marielle Allschwang would be an understatement. The singer, bandleader and namesake of Marielle Allschwang & The Visitations released her incredible VISITATIONS IV back in May, which earned heaps of well-deserved attention (including the distinction of being named the best Milwaukee album of 2019 by Milwaukee Record earlier this month). As if one astounding full-length isn't enough for one year, Allschwang and her handpicked cast of collaborators also released a moving conceptual double LP in September called Procession of a Day: The World of Mary Nohl. Though she certainly deserves a break, something tells us Allschwang's most productive year yet is just a hint of what's to come.
At the tail end of a watershed 2019, Allschwang met My First Band host Tyler Maas at Milwaukee Record headquarters to talk about her pair of impressive and immersive recent releases, the impact Mary Nohl's life and work has on her, her approach to playing everywhere from arenas and ballrooms to street festivals and neighborhood restaurants, and the honor of being asked to contribute vocals (and choreography) to Collections of Colonies of Bees. Over the course of the conversation, Allschwang also talked about growing up in a musical household, the artistic encouragement she received as a college student in Massachusetts — including advice and formative moments from some unlikely and famous sources — and her unforgettable experiences as part of Group of the Altos. That's just the tip of the iceberg though, as it was an extensive, fun and inspiring discussion that we're proud to have be our last episode of 2019. Thanks for listening and supporting My First Band. We'll see you in 2020!
My First Band is sponsored by Boulevard Brewing and Mystery Room Mastering. The show is edited by Jared Blohm. You can listen to My First Band on iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify and wherever else you get podcasts. Music used in this show comes courtesy of Devils Teeth ("The Junction Street Eight Tigers") and Marielle Allschwang & The Visitations ("Every Name" and "Lash Of The Lake").
