Episode 134: Leila Abdul-Rauf

Earlier this month saw the release of Andros Insidium on 20 Buck Spin, the sixth album by Leila Abdul-Rauf under her own name. Metal fans may know Leila as the singer and guitarist for death-metal group Vastum (the band she has fronted since its formation in 2009), but she has been involved in a number of projects over the years, some very far from the realms of metal. According to Leila people often pigeon-hole her solo output as “ambient” music, but she considers “cinematic” to be a better descriptor. Listening to Andros Insidium this does feel like a more appropriate term—the album being rich in textures and instrumentation. Sometimes the music inhabits a sonic world reminiscent of the otherworldliness of Dead Can Dance, at other times (like on the album’s harrowing title track), the stark piano and vocal presence is more in the lineage of Diamanda Galás. It’s dark, intense and at times harrowing music. Leila joins me to discuss the album, collaborations, mythology, imagery and how creative freedom and financial insecurity go hand-in-hand for independent artists. Photo by Alex ParraAlbum art by Justyna KoziczakAndros Insidium on vinyl and CD from 20 Buck SpinLeila Abdul-Rauf on bandcamp Catch Leila Abdul-Rauf live:May 28 Center for Computer Research in Music & Acoustics (CCRMA) Palo Alto, CA May 30 First Church of the Buzzard Oakland, CALeila Abdul-Rauf on InstagramThanks to Dave at Earsplit PRCheck out my latest album ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Real Silence on Drama Recorder⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠My music on AmpwallPodcast artwork and logo: Get A Real Job KidIntro music: “Detachment” by Tom Osman This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit tomosman.substack.com