On Friday, June 21st, Boston-based singer/songwriter Jodi Heights released her newest single. Titled “Full Moon Rise”, it explores the benefits of the natural beauty of darkness. This song is Jodi Heights’ first arrangement making full use of the harmonium, and it delivers on every promise it offers.
From our earlier review of Jodi’s single “Lone Wolf”, it is clear that she loves nature and is an active proponent of fixing the environment, as we all ought to be. Her vocals are no less dreamlike here than in the previous single, and its message is just as beautiful. In a world riddled with light pollution, Heights here poses a reality where that doesn’t play into the night’s rhythm.
In a press release, Jodi says of “Full Moon Rise”‘s origins:
The song “Full Moon Rise” came from reading about the disruption of ecosystems and circadian rhythms caused by the overuse of artificial light at night. It’s natural for humans to want light, and electricity has made it possible to banish the dark if we want to. But nighttime also has important lessons to teach us.
I wanted to write a song encouraging listeners to become more like night creatures: turn off the lights, slow down, let your eyes adjust, learn to be silent, let your ears become sensitive. The dark can teach us how to dream, how to listen, and how to see the world with new eyes.
Jodi Heights
The song, written as an arrangement for the harmonium, utilizes the instrument in a wondrous and fanciful way. The harmonium was created in Europe during the 18th Century. It is a hand-pumped organ that sends out air via a reed system fueled by bellows. This song’s use of the harmonium results in a rhythmically pleasing and melodically epic tune backing Heights’ powerful vocals.
Other Upcoming Projects By Jodi Heights
The “Full Moon Rise” music video comes out rather soon as well. In addition to this, Jodi Heights has compiled a collection of written musings on the night’s ecosystem and how light pollution affects it. “The Nocturnal Journal” is a 72-page book that Heights herself has created to inspire writers and artists with similar inclinations. It also includes a link to Nocturne, Jodi Heights’ new album, which can be played before it comes out on any streaming platform.
“”Full Moon Rise” is truly a haunting track. It celebrates a world that is currently in stasis. However, it’s one that we can fix if we make an effort to. From the first line to the last powerful note, Jodi Heights makes it clear that this is what should be. This is something to applaud and celebrate in its own right.
You can find Jodi Heights’ newest single, “Full Moon Rise”, on Spotify now!
The “Nocturnal Journal” is an interactive journal with beautiful prompts and art that guide you through your relationship with the dark and the night. Look for it on Jodi Height’s website for purchase at Jodiheights.com
