Fiskum

Fiskum's music describes the private struggles of ordinary people who refuse to be oppressed. People who stand up to power and authority. People who know that as long as they stay in the fight they are undefeated.

The title of Fiskum's new CD, Darkness / Fire / Dancing describes the times when we are surrounded by darkness and uncertainty. In the middle of this darkness there is a spiritual fire which gives enlightenment and warmth. Around this fire, we each move with our friends and adversaries, our families and lovers, in an immense, interconnected cosmic dance. We create the masterpiece of art that is our life. It is Fiskum's intention that his listeners be inspired to create lives filled with freedom, artistry, and integrity.

The characters who live in Fiskum's songs find themselves pushed into shimmering moments of significance. The greatest challenge facing each of us is to be true to ourselves in spite of the social gravity that pulls against us. Our greatest challenge - living truthfully and meaningfully - is also our greatest need. Sometimes the search for truth and meaning drives us to achieve great things. Sometimes the search ends on a personal level. Either way, we find truth, and we live meaningful lives without apology, when we follow our inner guide, regardless of what others may say or do.

Fiskum says "Sometimes one follows one's truth at great cost. I wrote a song called Borderline, which is featured on D/F/D . Borderline is about a woman who comes to terms with an identity that places her on the wrong side of one of society's unfortunate, imaginary borderlines. The 'wrong' side of this borderline is almost always a difficult place to be. To stay there, in spite of what society says, requires integrity and courage."

Fiskum compares his music to visual art. He says: "If you could see my music, it would look like Zen ink brush painting. I do not compose large orchestral landscapes. I do not write complex stories. Instead, I use a few carefully selected lyrics, melodies and chord progressions. I describe a few consequential moments in a person's life. These are moments that reveal the core of the individual and the nature of the challenge to come."

An example of Fiskum's micro approach to song writing is Tom Waits' Bar and Grill (When an Old Flame Gets New Ideas), which is also featured on D/F/D . As Fiskum puts it, "The title of this song is obviously a tribute to one of America's great composers.

It's a mini-drama that takes place in a 4 minute song. The lyrics are really just a conversation, one that can be all too familiar. A man tries to explain to his new girlfriend why he was seen hanging with his old flame. It is a short conversation, but one of great consequence."

Fiskum tells the stories of people who know that their choices will have a profound impact on themselves and on those they love. Fiskum's music shows the promise of achievement after overcoming obstacles. He invites the listener into a musical story world where failure is nothing more than an opinion, and where success is getting up off the floor and getting back into the fight.

Fiskum writes the music for the dance of the undefeated.