LA-based singer-songwriter Mia Doi Todd has released over a dozen albums and a remarkable collaborative résumé: she appeared on André 3000’s acclaimed New Blue Sun, has worked closely with Carlos Niño (who produced her album Gea and co-produced the New Blue Sun sessions), and has collaborated with the likes of Flying Lotus, Miguel Atwood-Ferguson, Julia Holter, and Georgia Anne Muldrow. She’s a quietly essential figure in the LA avant-folk and experimental music world.

Human Experience (which dropped today) is her most grounded and personal record yet: ten songs written in between family life on Maui, carrying a warm, unhurried island energy. It was produced by Micah Nelson (Particle Kid, Willie Nelson’s youngest son) and recorded in a single week in Ha’iku, Maui. The album also features strings from Miguel Atwood-Ferguson and a beautiful closing track with Hawaiian slack-key legend George Kahumoku Jr. The title track is a standout: an existential disco jam about friendship and connection, with Micah’s guitar building from warm nostalgia into a full-on shred. Joyful and emotionally rich from start to finish.

“I hope this album brings some peace and joy to your household, even if you’re under duress in these trying times,” said Todd.

To hear more and buy a copy of the album, click on this link.

Photo Courtesy: Grace Oh