Kristin Hersh is a pivotal character in American indie music scene and the undisputed leader of Throwing Muses: her stance against the exploitation of female imagery and her music, which never indulges in the pursuit of easy hooks, and the angry roar with which she declaims difficult and scathing lyrics made her one of the most influential artists in the past forty years. With twelve solo records (from Hips And Makers in 1993 to Clear Pond Road in 2024) and twelve Throwing Muses records (the latest, Moonlight Concessions, out earlier this year via Fire Records), Hersh could be considered a real rockstar. Yet, she is a wonderful person and a truly music lover: upon meeting her, what strikes first is her open smile and refreshing, sincere laugh. She’s a genuine artist, eager to convey her overwhelming love for music to everyone she meets. Her eyes light up with enthusiasm and sparkle whenever she’s asked to talk about her songs, which she considers, more than works of her own intellect, to be true living organisms. Children to be cuddled, raised, and released into the world. That’s why she was so happy to give us a magnificent TRISTE© Mixtape that now we can share with you all. Enjoy!

What Kristin Says: “Summer Of Love began as a bet with a guy for a dollar that revolved around the idea that the seasons don’t change us. He said we aren’t just planted here, stagnant, we’re in flux, responding to love like octopuses moving across the ocean floor. Turns out he was right, and I still owe him a buck.”

“The songs of Moonlight Concessions seem to be using moments, and very almost goofy moment sometimes, but goofy is right next to gravity. So like a conversation in an Uber that reverberated for years and was reflective of other years, and then it shows up later on the record. So I think It’s deceptively small, like small world, big picture orientation.“

Her Mixtape: “I enjoyed listening to these again (we play them in venues before our shows). Real musicians have to keep growing the bonfire of sound that isn’t fashion, that isn’t manipulative. All good musicians are on the same side of this equation and almost none of us are in the music business. Thanks for getting these songs heard. All the songs can be found on Spotify, which is where I found them. Just fyi, I love all streaming sites, as I have never made a penny on any of my records anyway, and mostly because music has been kept from listeners by corporate greed and promotional money, etc., not by giving it away. I’ve always given my music away because it’s such an honor to be adopted by another person’s soundtrack. I play live for money but I would never tell someone they can’t listen to my records just because they can’t afford to buy them, you know?
So I personally have no problem with Spotify (where all of these tracks are still available) if it helps. Free music educates the listener—helps them remember the musical response they were born with—so that record companies and fake musicians will be less able to market shallow product to them and buy their attention.  No real musician or songwriter would play just to make money. Sustainability is the goal, but sharing is a higher cause.
Anyway, here you go!

A Casa Mais Estranha Não Tem Número – Feels All Over the Room

This is a dream of a track, which means a world to step into. The production technique reflects the simplicity of the chord progression: unpretentious and human.

Ludovico Einaudi – Sometimes it Snows in April

An instrumental Prince cover recorded so that you can hear the hammers inside the piano. I have listened to this for months at a time.

Tendon Levey – Tendril

When you think invention has been quashed in western culture, look to the Tendon Levey’s of the world. Loving, daring, quiet, uncelebrated and spiritual. These beautiful people (Yonlu is another) don’t live very long but they’re such gifts while they’re here.

Tomorrows Tulips – Vacation

I love this neo-surf band. From the town where I been living for the last ten years with my surfer son, Bodhi. They’re low-fi cool. A charming party band at a very cool party!

Csókolom – Mori Shej, Sabina

No drums and fascinating staccato rhythms. A lost in time folk song: the perfect soundtrack for our lost in time folks. 

Quest for Fire – Strange Waves

This track is more lost in place than lost in time. No way to shove it in a box or even outside of any boxes…it just feels good to be there.

Moonlight Concessions is out now via Fire Records. Look HERE for more information (do you really need them?) on Kristin Hersh and Throwing Muses.