Refuge

Last spring, Devendra Banhart and Noah Georgeson embarked on creating a unique ambient album, unlike anything they had done before. "Refuge" is a profound and meditative musical dialogue between two long-time friends and collaborators, offering listeners a much-needed sense of peace and renewal. The album's roots trace back to the beginning of their friendship and their shared childhood experiences immersed in the New Age subculture of the 1980s. Despite being recorded in 2020, the essence of the album reflects their nostalgic connection to that era, characterized by meditation, Eastern music, and the influence of New Age labels like Windham Hill Records. The duo's decision to create an ambient record was solidified during the making of Devendra's 2019 album "Ma." Due to the global lockdown in March 2020, they had to adapt their recording process, working separately and weaving their tracks together remotely. The album features a blend of weightless synth drones, luminous woodwind and string arrangements, and contributions from musicians such as Mary Lattimore, Nicole Lawrence, and Jeremy Harris. Additionally, spiritual teachers like Sharon Salzberg and Sri Mataji Shaktiananda make appearances, infusing elements of guided meditation and mantras into the tracks. "Refuge" serves as a musical sanctuary in a time of uncertainty and fear, offering a contemplative and therapeutic listening experience. Devendra and Noah's distinct compositional styles converge harmoniously, creating a complementary interplay between eth