Ballroom Marfa is excited to announce the release of Up North, High Above the Stars, new music, from multidisciplinary artist, composer, percussionist & producer Jamire Williams. Commissioned by Ballroom Marfa, this new mixtape is now available in a limited edition of 100 on Ballroom’s website.

The project features sounds and elements pulled from Williams’s extensive collection of original material and field recordings gathered during his two-week residency in Marfa through Ballroom Sessions–The Farther Place. Inspired by Marfa’s vast skyscape, wide open spaces, and history of minimalism, Williams collected new sounds and materials around Marfa. He also recorded several improvisational performances where he experimented with drones created from various percussive instruments, which were further processed through tape machines and samplers. Listening closely, you’ll hear recordings from The Arena at Chinati Foundation, that feature echoes of glistening sound with the familiar crackle of the Arena’s uncanny space.

Williams’s practice is grounded in faith. His two new compositions contemplatively explore sounds and frequencies that allude to cosmic distress and the response of “The” heavenly, healing force. This mixtape is a spiritual call to arms. Up North, High Above the Stars sounds an alarm to reveal and awaken the light with reverence to unexpected and layered sounds. Listeners will hear Williams’s uniquely impressionistic drumming style collaged with electronics and processed field recordings, creating an exquisite mixtape of found and treasured tones.

This project was organized by Sarah Melendez, Ballroom Marfa’s former Music Curator and Programs Director.