The year 2020 was a period of unprecedented global change and introspection. Amidst the uncertainty, artists sought new ways to express and interpret the shifting world. Among these creative responses is “The Dragon Raga (Songs of Psychic Fire 2020)”, a compelling album by Arrington de Dionyso, released on November 3, 2020. This collection of 2020 Songs isn’t just music; it’s a sonic journey reflecting the anxieties, contemplations, and yearning for transformation that defined the year.
This album emerges as a successor to Dionyso’s 2008 record, “I See Beyond the Black Sun,” a release that also coincided with a US presidential election and Pluto’s entry into Capricorn. For those familiar with astrology, these celestial movements carry significance, mirroring the sense of global upheaval. Dionyso himself acknowledges this backdrop, describing a “vision of doom” that felt acutely present in 2020. He evokes powerful imagery of being like “a deer or a raccoon or a possum staring blankly at two ever brightening disks of light rapidly increasing in size,” capturing the feeling of being overwhelmed by impending change.
However, “The Dragon Raga” is not solely an expression of dread. Dionyso’s music delves deeper, seeking a path forward through the chaos. His mantra during the creation process was clear: “We are never going ‘back to normal’ because whatever it was we were letting ourselves call ‘NORMAL’ was the very problem to begin with.” This powerful statement encapsulates the widespread sentiment of 2020 – a recognition that the old ways were unsustainable and that profound change was necessary. He embraces this transformation, even acknowledging its painful nature, advocating for resilience, mutual support, and resistance against despair. These themes resonate deeply with the collective experience of 2020, making these 2020 songs a relevant and poignant listen.
Dionyso positions artists and musicians as vital figures in such times, “as keepers of wisdom and continuity, and also as healers, dreamers, visionaries to guide us into being enveloped by and embracing whatever it is that comes next.” He sees music not just as entertainment, but as a form of communication with something deeper, something spiritual. Reflecting on a formative conversation with an older gentleman in Paris, he emphasizes the importance of “talking to spirits” through music, moving beyond mere performance to a more profound form of expression. This philosophy is palpable throughout “The Dragon Raga,” making it more than just a collection of 2020 songs; it’s an invocation, a channeling of energies relevant to a year of global uncertainty.
The album itself, “The Dragon Raga (Songs of Psychic Fire 2020)”, is presented in various formats, including streaming, digital download, and a special CDR package. Dionyso encourages listeners to share the music they connect with, highlighting the “PRICELESS GIFT” of social media sharing for independent artists. He even offers free downloads to those facing financial hardship, demonstrating a spirit of generosity and connection that further aligns with the themes of community and support prevalent in his music and the year 2020 itself.
The tracklist reveals a diverse sonic landscape, ranging from the epic 13-minute opener “The Dragon Raga” to shorter, more focused pieces like “Retrograde Radiation” and “Ourobouric Echoes.” Titles like “Pluto in Aquarius” further hint at the astrological and thematic undercurrents of the album. Through bass clarinet, voice, shruti boxes, and electronic manipulations, Dionyso crafts a unique sound that defies easy categorization, much like the year 2020 songs sought to capture.
“The Dragon Raga (Songs of Psychic Fire 2020)” stands as a testament to the creative spirit in times of upheaval. It’s an album deeply rooted in the anxieties and hopes of 2020, offering listeners a space for reflection, catharsis, and perhaps, a glimpse of transformation through sound. Explore these 2020 songs and discover a unique artistic response to a year that changed the world.
