Finnish duo Tuomo & Markus debut their video of a live performance of their song “Vanity Blinds,” off of their upcoming album, Dead Circles.
Up-and-coming Nordic Americana and neo-folk group Tuomo & Markus are set to release their debut project, Dead Circles, on September 7. The 15 tracks on the record are the engaging and nuanced work of acclaimed soul artist Tuomo Prättälä and singer-songwriter Markus Nordenstreng of the alternative country band the Latebirds.
The Helsinki-based team — joined on several tracks by notable collaborators John Stirratt and Pat Sansone of Wilco and Autumn Defense; Joey Burns, John Convertino, and Jacob Valenzuela of Calexico; and Gary Louris of the Jayhawks — recorded Dead Circles at Wavelab in Tucson, Arizona.
Album highlights include “Vanity Blinds,” a truly artistic work of beautiful arrangements and rich instrumentation about self-discovery and the meaning of life.
“‘Vanity Blinds’ was inspired by a very personal existential crisis a few years ago, although many of the themes it touches upon could also be interpreted as more universal or even political,” says Nordenstreng. “Musically the track turned into an interesting little hybrid, mixing Southwestern mariachi trumpets, accordions, and steel guitars with our own Nordic heritage and jazz skills.”
The music video for “Vanity Blinds” offers an inside look at the duo’s recording process and their captivating live sessions.
“While the original recording session took place in Tucson, Arizona, with some of our friends from Calexico on board, this performance was captured 100 percent live in Helsinki at Genelec Artist Room,” Nordenstreng says. “It features our current live lineup, along with our good buddy Glenn Kotche from Wilco playing drums. Glenn’s been residing in Finland for the last eight months and we couldn’t help but exploit his percussive talents for this session.”
Get an exclusive first look at the live video for “Vanity Blinds,” below.
For more information on Tuomo & Markus and to pre-order their new album, visit their website.
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