Fig Tree
ALTERNATIVE-SOUL SINGER ROZZI RELEASES NEW SINGLE “FIG TREE”
OPENS LOWER EAST SIDE COLLABORATIVE SHOW WITH KI SMITH GALLERY INSPIRED BY UPCOMING ALBUM
Photo Credit: Laura Schaeffer
Friday, September 5 - Today, alternative-soul singer Rozzi releases the powerful title track to her next body of work “Fig Tree” (official music video here). As in Sylvia Plath’s The Bell Jar, the fig tree is a powerful and looming metaphor for this chapter of the singer-songwriter’s life. With each extending branch, a choice. With each choice, the promise of a new life. Read her essay in Bustle.
When Rozzi first began writing this album, she had just turned 30, reached a new stage in a long-term relationship, watched her brother become a father, and was reading books like Motherhood by Sheila Heti and The Bell Jar. This record grapples with big existential questions without prescribing neat resolutions. On the title track out today, Rozzi’s effortless vocal runs belie her struggle to find herself within the dizzying swirl of love.
The forthcoming album Fig Tree - produced by Mocky (Feist, Kelela, Moses Sumney) - is a deep dive into all of the uncertainty and change that comes with growth, but, ultimately, it’s an album about trust. It’s about staring into the unknown and not trying to control it, while also reassuring yourself that you have put in the work to become the kind of artist and human you were always meant to be.
LISTEN TO “FIG TREE”
WATCH “FIG TREE” OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO
“Fig Tree” Single Artwork
Tomorrow on September 6, Rozzi opens a special collaborative group show, featuring newly created, original artworks inspired by her upcoming album Fig Tree at New York’s Ki Smith Gallery. Alongside a panel of celebrity judges - Gia Coppola, Simon Le Bon, Julian Lennon, Kiersey Clemons and Simon Shaw - Rozzi and gallerist Ki have selected 26 artists to participate in the exhibition, from over 500 global submissions. Once accepted, each artist had the opportunity to select a song from the record and speak to Rozzi directly about the track, gleaning inspiration to begin their own work. The result is their response to or dialogue with one of the 13 tracks on the record Fig Tree. Each song will be represented by two different visual artists. Find brief bios and contact information for each of them here.
The show runs for six weeks, with Rozzi returning to the space weekly with a different band configuration and set list to perform both new material from her upcoming record and favorites from her existing catalogue.
Rozzi shares: “I’m so inspired by the mixing of mediums. To experience these talented artists make something directly in response to my songs, in a way I could never dream of expressing myself, is really one of the honors of my career. And speaking to the artists, who come from around the world, about our processes and inspirations feels like a massive statement of unity and connection at a time when the world feels so divisive. Working with Ki Smith Gallery has been a dream. Ki has amazing taste and has created the perfect space to house this one-of-a-kind show."
Gallerist Ki shares: “I have always had a deep interest in connecting the arts and giving space to collaboration between artists and disciplines. When Rozzi first approached me about pairing artists with tracks on her soon to be released album Fig Tree, I immediately fell in love with the idea and it has been an honor over this past year to bring this exhibition to fruition with Rozzi, Magus Entertainment and the 26 incredible visual artists that have brought our dream to life!”
KI SMITH GALLERY PERFORMANCE DATES
Thursday, Sept 11 @ 7pm - TICKETS
Thursday, Sept 18 @ 7pm - TICKETS
Friday, Sept 26 @ 7pm - TICKETS
Thursday, Oct 2 @ 7pm - TICKETS
Thursday, Oct 9 @ 7pm - TICKETS