John Carroll Kirby: new album 'My Garden' out today via Stones Throw

Chances are high that if fans have listened to any of the widely acclaimed album releases over the last few years, they've probably unknowingly heard John Carroll Kirby’s work. The pianist, producer, and composer has collaborated with artists including Solange, Frank Ocean, Bat for Lashes, Connan Mockasin, Sébastien Tellier, Harry Styles, and many more. Today, with the release of his first official album on Stones Throw, My Garden, Kirby stays on his own path telling his instrumental artist stories. The nine-track album, which includes the previously released singles “By The Sea” and “Wind”, is a pure distillation of his sound - soulful, spiritual, and evocative. Written, recorded, and produced entirely by Kirby, the album is economical yet emotional, with his personality shining throughout.

LISTEN TO / BUY MY GARDEN: Bandcamp - Spotify - Apple Music

To celebrate the release, Kirby will perform the songs "San Nicolas Island" and "Son of Pucabufeo" on Stones Throw’s Instagram, from his Los Angeles home at 12pm PST / 3pm EST. The emotionally charged "San Nicolas Island" is inspired by the life of Juana Maria. “She was part of the Nicoleño tribe in San Nicolas Island, where missionaries from Santa Barbara came and abducted her whole tribe to live and work at the mission,” Kirby says. “The Son of Pucabufeo” draws on the legend of the shaman Pablo Amaringo, who painted his own ayahuasca visions in great detail. Many of the stories underpinning the songs arise from the rich history of the Americas, as well as Kirby’s own life. He says: “I take these legends and metaphors and apply them to my life a little bit. I'm trying to get to some emotional content that I feel within myself, show people who I am, and express myself very purely,” Kirby says, “That was the intention behind it”.

Earlier this month Kirby surprise-released his Conflict album. Though he recorded Conflict about a year ago, Kirby decided to spontaneously release it in response to the escalating global crisis, with the hope that it might help fortify the listener and induce inner calm.

WATCH THE PREVIOUSLY RELEASED VIDEOS FOR “BY THE SEA" AND “WIND"