Originally published by Rift Magazine

“Hey there,” Ben Burwell and company gladly hail the unknown ear, “How long has your entire been cold and tired? Give me your hand, we’re gonna find you fire.” This warm welcome greets the listener on “Your Thief,” the first track off of Taj Raj’s latest, Night Speech, and continues for a strong seven minutes. It’s the first of many compositions on this release that pass the five minute mark, leaving the ear well sated. So like the dedication of time lent to the creation of this release, required in return is an investment on part of the listener: to take an hour of the day to press play and let be.

Full of lush instrumentals and harmonic vocals, Night Speech is cinematic in a present and grounded way, using instruments more familiar to a rock band than an orchestra. Burwell on vocals and guitar is joined by Chris O'Hal on guitar, Jake Wallenius on drums and percussion, Jake Pavek on piano, rhodes, and organ, and Mark Kartarik on bass, to fill a lineup that was present for every step of the process in making this album. Their combined talents and influences converge in a mature and connected sound, in which all the elements make sense as a whole. At times it hints of rock, at others it breathes country or Americana, and then moments of piano and string ballads or late 70’s classic rock break through for a locally unmistakable, but versatile sound.

There are obvious moments, specific events in time when you are aware you have been knocked off your feet. Perhaps the rug was pulled out from underneath you, another person took you down with them, or simply a bad turn of fate left you dazed and flat on your back. But there will also be times that are not so obvious, a series of experiences that lack specificity, yet they place you in the same position unawares.

Minneapolis band Beasthead felt the full blow of the former in recent months, with the entirety of their gear stolen out of their own driveway one night. In waking that next morning, they came to know a drastic form of betrayal, frustration, and regret. Yet they knew – with the worst of the situation before them – that they had to move forward. So that’s exactly what they did. Through reaching out to the music community, they not only regained the majority of their original gear, but were supported financially in reacquiring the rest. It’s a story that restores faith in people, points out the goodwill that can follow the bad. And with one of their best sets I’ve yet seen this past weekend, the members of Beasthead have actively gotten back on their feet with the tools to do it and the determination not to pretend it didn’t happen, but to be better for it.

Yet in the case of the latter, it can more difficult for one to regain their footing when they haven’t fully realized they’re no longer standing. Denial is a factor, but after a series of negative events in life, it simply seems easier to lay low for a while. If you’re not sure what’s held you back, how can you fight it? In the case of music-making, there’s one sure way to get out of that whole, though some may not like it: to involve other people.

Now first – as long as the creative process is still working, if music is being created – then the essentials are in place. But to get back on your feet, you do have to stand up. Be noticed. Perhaps not intentionally, but don’t shy away from it. It’s as simple as admitted that yes, you do make your own music. It’s as simple as sharing a favorite band, a song concept, a melody line, some lyrics with another mind. Playing a show, taking a risk on stage. Collaborating for no other purpose than exploring the unknown. For all the experiences that pushed you down, for all the situations that tried to prove that there wasn’t a place for you, that you’re too late to the game, or that you’re not good enough, there will be ten times the number of hands waiting to help pull you back up. Waiting for you there to take hold of opportunity, of chance, or what could be.  

In the end, it doesn’t matter what’s brought you down, what doubts keep you there. When it comes to life and music, you simply have to choose to stand back up. Look up. Take hold of the hand waiting for you, even if you don’t know where it leads. Even if something’s been stolen from you, there is no better time than now to trust in others. Build your skill, build your spirit. Let the world know just who you are, and what you make. Then the better things will find you once again.