April 2023: TOOTH Release!
"Tooth" – an illustrated music video by Jenner & Natalie
Wiggle it with your tongue
Tie it to the doorknob
Chicken out
Wiggle some more
Someday
The tooth will fall out
Yes indeed! "Tooth" (the song) is out everywhere music is sold or streamed today: Bandcamp | Spotify | Apple Music
Last week, one of Natalie's 11-year-old students lost a tooth in the middle of a "looking at bugs in the pond" activity. Any importance that was previously given to the activity, quickly paled in comparison to this life event. He was stoked. He asked to go back to the lodge to call his parents. As a kid, losing a tooth is momentous, it matters.
As adults, losing a tooth tends to be an expensive dental bummer. It matters too, but not in the life affirming way that involves a Tooth Fairy.
For years, I've told this story about my Dad losing his front tooth and how that inspired the song. The story ends with my Dad saying to my Mom, "I want you to know, I wear my tooth for you." What romance!
*[If you're unfamiliar with the tall tale, here's a full live rendition]*
Last week my Dad turned 70, and my folks celebrated their 35th wedding anniversary. I don't pretend to know much about marriage or a bond that can last through decades of change. But perhaps, "I wear my tooth for you" is a profound clue.
Here's to love stories of any shape and size.
Happy spring! Happy Tooth!
–Jenner
'm hosting an in-person songwriting retreat at the Sierra Nevada Field Campus in the beautiful California foothills, June 22-24. More info / register here.
Fox Recommends
The Creative Act by Rick Rubin - Rick Rubin is perhaps THE singular music producer of our time. Yet, he claims to have no music ability, just a knack for listening. His new (and first) book is a wonderful encyclopedia about the creative process. It's not just for musicians or the fine artists, but written for anyone endeavoring to create anything. Rubin distills processes and patterns observed through his years of working with artists from Johnny Cash and Tom Petty, to the Beastie Boys and the Red Hot Chili Peppers.
Between Two Knees – I got to see this play at the Seattle Rep a few weeks back. It was created by The 1491s, the sketch comedy troupe who also gave us "Reservation Dogs." The production chronicles the history of native and colonial interactions in this country, and how that legacy continues today. It's moving, and hilarious, and uncomfortable, and deeply important! I highly recommend trying to catch a showing near you.
"Black Umbrella" by Anna Tivel – I've been a super fan of Tivel's last two albums. But in particular, the writing on "Black Umbrella" floors me. Give it a spin when you have some time and space to process the difficult topic depicted with so much beauty. It's a masterpiece.
the Scared is scared – I was reminded of this video I used to love in college. It still holds up, but I must admit I was surprised that it felt slow. In just 10-years, the pace of video content has trended shorter and shorter to account for formats like Tik Tok and Instagram. But, take a deep breath, you won't regret sitting down for this whopping 8-minute feature film. And besides, if you've gotten this far in the newsletter you probably have a little time to spare :)
P.S.
Two people overheard flirting in a Sauna in Seattle:
"So, what time did you go to bed last night?"
And some words from Oscar Wilde:
"Some things are too important to be taken seriously"