Shamir on World Cafe
World Cafe
Shamir turns grief into gold on ‘Homo Anxietatem’
When Shamir was 18 years old, he got the phrase “Hold On To Your Misery” tattooed in ornate lettering just under his ribcage. It’s the title of one of his favorite songs, and the mantra also happens to be at the heart of his newest album, Homo Anxietatem.
Setlist
Sep
11
Shamir
Studio Session
- "The Beginning"
- "Oversized Sweater"
- "Obsession"
- "Our Song"
He says the song, from British artist CocknBullKid, is like a “bible” to him. There’s one line that resonates deeply: “Hold on to that grief and then swallow it whole. Let it sit inside your belly and then turn into gold.”
Homo Anxietatem is full of that sort of transmutation, from negative to positive energy. In this session, Shamir talks about growing as a person and as an artist; about being joined by bassist Grant Pavol and drummer Rhea Freed; and about the philosophy behind his songwriting. Plus, Shamir performs live for World Cafe.