Chicago-based singer-songwriter TE/MO, known for her cerebral and spooky-pop sound, has once again captivated listeners with her latest original EP, TAROT, UPRIGHT & TAROT, REVERSED. Following her raw debut The MOTHER EP, TE/MO takes a bold new step into the mystical world of tarot, crafting a body of work that not only offers musical enchantment but also deep introspection into life’s complexities. The double EP invites listeners to explore the dualities of existence through themes inspired by tarot, each card, each situation, and each emotion having both an upright and a reversed interpretation.
The EP was recorded across multiple locations, including Los Angeles, Philadelphia, and Chicago, with the help of co-collaborators JP Warner and Joey Chelius. The varied geography reflects the diverse sound and rich themes present in the project.
TAROT, UPRIGHT & TAROT, REVERSED provides an intriguing examination of life’s "upright and reversed" experiences, the highs and lows, the victories and sorrows. TE/MO's interest in tarot is the basis for the EP, creating connections between interpreting the cards and navigating our personal paths. As TE/MO explains, “In tarot, interpretation is king... What you glean from the message is up to you.” This idea resonates throughout the EP as she navigates themes of love, betrayal, power, and self-realization, blending mysticism with everyday life.
In the upright section of the EP, TE/MO celebrates moments of liberation and self-confidence, beginning with the song “Devil,” which uses the symbolism of the Devil card to remind us that the only true restraints are often the ones we place on ourselves. “My Name” follows a track bursting with self-assurance and the power of owning one’s identity despite negative energy from others. “Sister on Fire” ignites a fiery tribute to those who challenge societal norms, while “Written in the Cards” explores the serendipitous feeling of meeting someone who feels destined. Each song in the upright section portrays a sense of agency, magic, and discovery.
On the other side of the coin lies the Reversed portion of the EP, which takes listeners on a darker journey through betrayal, heartache, and introspection. “Curse” taps into the fury that follows a deep betrayal, embodying the pain and rage of those moments. “King of Swords” brings the EP full circle, reminding us that those closest to us often have the most power to destroy our sense of stability. TE/MO contrasts these emotionally heavy themes with a touch of whimsy in songs like “Signs,” which humorously dives into the chaotic energy of looking for signs in the universe that might justify rekindling a past romance.
Each song is paired with its "sister song" from the upright side, reflecting the reversed nature of tarot readings, one card may symbolize freedom, while its reversed form may point to restriction. These “sister songs” share common themes but offer radically different interpretations, a creative structure that pushes the boundaries of traditional songwriting.
TE/MO’s sound is as intricate as her lyrical themes. Spooky pop meets indie rock with an undercurrent of folk, all wrapped in a haunting yet playful production style. Collaborators JP Warner and Joey Chelius helped shape this expansive sound, which effortlessly carries listeners between the ethereal and the earthly.
TE/MO's voice effortlessly navigates us through various emotional terrains, from the lively energy of "After Tonight" to the honest vulnerability of "Judgment."
TAROT, UPRIGHT & TAROT, REVERSED is not just an EP; it offers a chance to join in a shared exploration of self-discovery, magic, and introspection. TE/MO's examination of the contrasts in life, such as self-assurance versus self-questioning and love versus treachery, results in a truly captivating journey.
In the artist’s words, “Storytelling has been the true magic of being human since the dawn of our existence... This double EP is meant to honor the timeless nature of that sacred practice.” TE/MO’s headlining show on October 30th in Chicago, which will be live-streamed, is set to be a spellbinding event that will bring the enchantment of her EP to life.
TAROT, UPRIGHT & TAROT, REVERSED is a masterclass in blending artistry with mysticism, and TE/MO’s ability to translate complex emotional experiences into captivating music makes this EP a must-listen for anyone seeking a deeper, more magical connection with their music. With this release, TE/MO cements her place as a powerful and unique voice in the contemporary music scene.
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