Winter Blues, Begone! Mil’s Trills Album Release Party And Winter Bash Coming To ShapeShifter Lab This Sunday, January 31
It’s hard to categorize Amelia Robinson’s oeuvre of music because of its diversity. She’s a composer, musician, singer — and neighbor. Robinson is renowned for her sophisticated work on the ukulele, which she describes as a “little instrument that evokes big smiles.”
In the next few weeks, we have an opportunity to see Amelia Robinson — called Mil’s Trills for family audiences — perform her work in our neck of the woods.
And it’s Ms. Robinson’s neighborhood as well. Both a Park Slope neighbor and Brooklyn-bred, she will be celebrating the release of her new album Now That We’re Friends… (released September 2015) this Sunday at ShapeShifter Lab.
The new album comes after her 2014 debut Everyone Together Now!, lauded by the Parents’ Choice Awards.
Last October, we had a chance to speak with Robinson about the album release, and you’ll hear those tunes and more at the 6th Annual Winter Bash (we’ve provided details and ticket information at the end of this article).
In addition you’ll have the opportunity to jump on the F Train and head over to the Lower East Side next Saturday, February 6 to see Robinson perform her self-described “grown-up music” at Rockwood Music Hall (details at the end of the article).
What you’ll be sure to get at both gigs is a heaping dose of textured songs and musicianship.
We had a chance to speak with Robinson about her upcoming shows, what’s on her turntable, and more.
Park Slope Stoop: So tell us a bit about what you have been up to since Now That We’re Friends… was released in September. You seem to always have exciting projects going on.
Amelia Robinson: Yes indeed! I’ve been hunkering down and developing new work! I’m currently experimenting with various media formats to further create experiences of joy in a way all ages can appreciate.
Years ago when I was living in London, I created a symphony for bicycle bells, so I’m trying to figure out a way to revisit that and bring it to NYC. I’m also in a bit of a transitional stage as well, since I’m releasing a “grown ups” album in the Spring called The Space Between. It’ll be interesting to share that with a new audience and develop a more mature platform for creative exchange.
What’s it like playing in your very own neighborhood? Does it feel a little different?
I love playing in Brooklyn – it’s where my roots are! The Bash is always extra special because it brings back all my original crew that trudged around the neighborhood in the middle of winter six years ago to share good times at my drop-in shows when I was just starting out! (Shoutout to The Rock Shop, Brooklyn Lyceum [R.I.P.], and Postmark Cafe for hosting us back in the day!)
Seeing those families growing up and multiplying is a humbling reminder of their dedicated support and encouragement that got us to where we are today! This show is for you guys!
You also have a “grown-up” gig coming up at Rockwood Hall. Have you been working on new music for that? And will you be solo or with a band?
Yeahhh!! I have loads of new material flowing out of me right now! The Space Between was actually recorded two years ago at the same time as my first kids record (it was all part of a big crowd-funding campaign), so both my voice and songwriting have developed quite a bit since then.
I still play songs from the album live, but recently I’ve been taking more risks and trying out new sounds on my new Nord keyboard! I’ll be playing with a band – actually the same folks that play with me as Mil’s Trills! They’re incredibly versatile musicians, plus they know me and my style and we groove really well together!
Have you ever adapted one of your “grown-up” songs for the family crowd? Or vice versa?
Ooooh yes. But you have to come to a show to find out how…
With the recent loss of Bowie, we’ve found our listening habits have switched up a bit. We’re revisiting Bowie, as well as Lou Reed, too. What have you been listening to, lately?
Lately I’ve been running a lot and have been needing some meditative trancy dancy stuff to help me from going stir crazy in the winter months…so listening to more “electronicy” grooves by artists like Little Dragon, Sylvan Esso, Lykke Li, and Ratatat. But yeah – there’s nothing like a good trip to Mars once in a while…
The 2 Upcoming Gigs:
The Rundown: Mil’s Trills 6th Annual Winter Bash
Where: ShapeShifter Lab, 18 Whitwell Place (between 1st and Carroll Streets)
When: Sunday, January 31. Doors: 11am doors / Show: 11:30am-12:30pm
Information: bash@milstrills.com or 646-820-9452
Admission: $10 advance | $15 at the door (babes in arms FREE). Purchase tickets in advance here.
The Rundown: Amelia Robinson at Rockwood Music Hall
Where: Rockwood Music Hall (Stage 1) 196 Allen Street (between Houston and Stanton Streets)
When: Saturday, February 6. 3pm sharp.
Admission: Free, with a one-drink minimum. Rockwood is a 21 and over club.