Home Creators Posts Import Register Favorites Logout
haven't archived this post yet. have a subscription? use the importer!

Downloads

  • Houdini 102323 Utopia verb up 2db.mp3

Missing 1 full-res photo, 1 file, as this post has not yet been imported.

Content

Hello loves.

Greetings from Woodstock, NY, where I am collapsed in a heap from four dolls shows. 

We killllled. 

(photos: Anthony Mulcahy)

If you were THERE, holler below, I'm reading (and tired).

This is the first  of a few (streaming) piano-only demo I'm sending to you - my beloved patrons - to share with you how the new dolls record is slowly taking shape.

Here's the link to listen - streaming - on Soundcloud:

https://on.soundcloud.com/ixcwA

Song Engineered and mixed by Pete Caigan at Utopia Studios Bearsville.

......

Please don't share any of this shit on the internet. If you want to read a little more, and get the actual download code, I sent that to $3+ patrons, just now, here.

.......

Drip-releasing these piano demos is also helping us fund the record, as it's a slow - and expensive - process. It also feels quite electric and fulfilling to finally unleash these new songs - even in fetal form - to your ears. The NYC people will tell you: the songs sound pretty amazing with the drums. We're werkin' on them.

All of the titles are working titles. I am not including the lyrics by design. (The lyrics of this demo have already changed slightly since I recorded it a few weeks ago).

......

The New York Shows reminded me: my band is a force of nature.

We DO A THING.

Thank you for being my patrons, for holding my band steady, and for listening.

I love .... all of you.

Let me know what you think.

I know, at the very least, thhat Angel loves this one. 

XX

Amanda

....

P.S. Portland (Dec 28 and 29th)is all SOLD OUT, but there are still tickets for LA (Dec 8th), San Diego (Dec 9th), and Berkeley on New Years Eve.

We will be playing all this new material at most of the shows. Tickets here: https://dresdendolls.com/ 


(Photo: Anthony Mulcahy)

Files

Previews only

Comments

MelanieGT

Morning from Melbourne - beautiful way to start my day ❤️

Kelly Adlington

So special to get these demos! Thank you for sharing 🖤

Missy Walks

Came from the Scranton Pa area and saw you on Friday! Had the BEST spot right by Brian until a hot flash/panic attack got me about an hour in and then saw from way back by the door. Both experiences were… beautiful and life. Loved every second and even recruited my husband into fandom. Wish I could have stayed in front touching the stage but I’m happy someone got the spot and Im certain they loved it as much as I had. Rambling. Love you!! Can’t wait to see you again.

helwolves

Came down from Boston to be there Friday. The fact that I've been going to Dolls shows since before that 19-year-old was born kinda blew my mind. Your comment about being a post-9/11 band really got me thinking too. I always think about when you guys used to do War Pigs, and that one little song at the Lizard Lounge, all the things related to Afghanistan and protests we went to, and the shit is still, ALWAYS, relevant...

Issa Rodri

this is going to be rattling around in my skull for the rest of the day... elated to hear all the things. this is beautiful, thank you

Jared Allyn Decker

The last show was out of this world phenomenal. Val and I were sobbing and holding each other just as much as we were head banging and belting our faces off with you. My highlight was seeing you from the crowd, and you shook your head back at me. I was having such a moment of incredulity at you both, and for our energies to have met for a second right then was super cool. That,and the huge sing-along of Sing. Easily one of the best moments of my entire life. I love you so so much. ❤️🎶❤️🎵❤️🎶❤️

Pamela Kirsch

cross-posting my comment from the download link. I WAS THERE EVERY NIGHT AND ALL THE NEW SONGS ARE ABSOLUTELY BRILLIANT! I LOVE YOU!!!!! <3 my response to the shows this week which I shared with you the last night is that it was the first week in a while where being awake felt better than sleeping. I love listening to the solo version and with Brian. Both incredibly powerful. <3 THANK YOU FOR YOU.

Dahlia

Why aren’t you rowing? So powerful. ❤️ See ya soon at the spooky scary movie night.

Sarah Jespersen

Whakenewha took up a spot in my heart the first time I heard it and I have been craving it ever since. I can't wait to hear it when it comes to us

Amanda Dockter

😭🥹🫠🥹 First we feel the feelings. Then I make words. W O W 😭

Amanda Dockter

(sorry. the birds in my neighborhood requested an encore... Maybe. I struggle with attribution errors)

Ryan Young

AFP- thank you (and Brian) for an awesome Saturday night. I mentioned in a previous post I was coming with my teen daughter. DD are her favorite band, we drove up two hours from the Philly area, we weren't even sure they'd let us in (I contacted the venue and they said 13 was okay with parent but I was dubious) and she wanted to be right up front, so we got in line around 4. Everyone we met in line was SO FUCKING NICE, just the best people. Dresden Dolls fans are the best! They were all so excited for her to experience her first DD show. She lost her grandfather suddenly (they were very close) 4 days before her birthday last month, and I was hoping everything would work out exactly as she hoped. We got right up front on your side of the stage and had our faces melted off. Brian gave her a little wave while he was playing acoustic guitar and she's been walking on a cloud ever since. The healing power of rock and roll. Her favorite song is Girl Anachronism and she was so happy when you came out one last time to do it. THANK YOU SO MUCH!

Cindi Conti

Friday night was amazing and I can’t stop thinking about that Christmas song. 🖤 You are a gift.

BridgetJ

Awww, yeah, this is the one you played - piano only, no vocals - at Graveside while 10 or so of us lay on the floor and cooled down after Coco's workshop the morning of the first Doll's show in late August. Being able to physically feel the music through the floor remains my favourite way to listen to the piano (as a kid, it was usually Mom playing Chopin, and sometimes still is).

Sarah Carter

I was there, all the way from Florida! Friday night - closest VIP table to you. So sad I didn’t see you - I made my husband wear a shirt with a picture of me, you and him from when we met you at Inkwood Books in Feb of 2015! I did catch Brian after though 🖤. You guys were amazing… I loved every minute of it.

Jeremy Sliwoski

I was there, good times, had a ton in my head, did my thing and brought flowers/stickers/tickets to Trauma Land, in post concert existential existence as I wait for sitting for a couple exams on Wednesday. Good times had. Also drove home to VT after the show Saturday and that was stupid. Finally, I dropped an image inspired by Whakenewha in the $5 chat.

Ashleigh M. Ferreira-Bartlett

This is why I can wait and just hope we one day talk through the Russell Brand post and those ideas.. and love you so much regardless, I don't know how you can do this. I can't fathom how the music moves through or you through the music. I love you. Thank you for sharing this.

Jeremy Sliwoski

Ok, also, wanted to say this and haven't put it together so I'll just wing it. You are a warrior Your songs are your scars Tell their stories proudly I felt like on stage I saw a powerful warrior woman that you have grown into over the last twenty years, someone stronger and a brighter beacon than even last year. Your songs show the strength which you carry your past, even as the emotions keep flowing and the pain is still felt, strength and perseverance shine. I'm certain that this is the Amanda that younger Amanda would have looked at with awe and admiration, as many of your fans do. Thank you for sharing the pain and hurt, it helps many people who may not have the words to do it themselves know they're not alone.

Pamela Kirsch

It is magical to listen that way! During campersand we would lay beneath her piano and she would play us beddy bye songs ❤️

Len Tower Jr.

Not there. Caught what I could of NYC Dolls Week's 8 events from afar. You just broke my heart again. Awaiting developments. Love, Len

Jessica Demcsak

I was there! The songs (and this one!) were amazing! My kid of course almost fainted at the show which I attribute to you and Brian’s awesomeness. So we left early. I love that Dylan and I get to share our love of music through you guys. He will be working on a Dresden Dolls cover soon. Hasn’t done one since he was 12 and you reposted it 🖤. He’s 16 now! Your music (and Brian’s) are a huge part of his life!🥁

Joni

Gods but I've missed hearing you create... As opposed to just record... It's the difference between speaking to an old friend on the phone and seeing them in person. This feels like "Back"... Or maybe "Next". Hop across that lake... I'll be front row!! ♥️♥️

Chris P

Amanda & Brian, WOW, was an awesome show last Tuesday, thank you! Loved the new stuff and the old stuff and the covers and the Bowery Ballroom too! If only I had more time and funds to go to all the shows, and events! Hope to make it to one of the museum talks and graveside sometime! Cheers, Chris

Len Tower Jr.

Joni, Spot on! Watching Amanda create has always been a joy & education. Patrons have so much access to it, than we did before Patreon. -Len

Justin Mitchell

NYC show was FUCKING AMAZING!! I'm sad I didn't make it out to the patreon party, but I wasn't in a "people-ing" headspace on Thurs. Regardless, the show was epic, love you and Brian, my gf loves you too now, and I'm so happy I got to see the Dolls again - almost exactly 6 years apart!! I saw you two on Halloween 2017 in DC at the 9:30 Club (which was also fucking amazing in a different way).

Matthew Clemens-Lary

I was.so happy to be at the firet nyc showz was amazing. This mew song is beautiful. So very.

Evon Marie Tice McKown

I was there Saturday night. I was the one who said I was sad. And that I wanted to be sad. I needed to be sad. This new music is testament to the fact that we are all sad. But as was stated above, we are warriors. I am going through one of the darkest times of my life, divorce #2, from a man I thought was the one who was going to finally “fix” me. But I am not meant to be “fixed” I need to remember that sometimes we are just broken, and that’s ok because we are warriors, and we will make it through. Thank you for showing us what we are capable of. And most importantly, thank you for reminding us that we aren’t doing this shit alone.

Anna Mulch

I don’t know if you’ll see this or not, I hope you do. I lost my best friend almost a month ago and I thought those same words……why’s you have to leave me with these people who don’t understand me and as I’m typing this warm tears are falling on my phone and I can’t see my keyboard. It’s perfect. Thank you.

JessTCreate

Can't wait to hear the drums in this and to hear it live in Portland soon! 💜

AP

I am a 54 year old carer and my neighbour is a 54 year old pilot and we have almost finished our first song together. My husband says it sounds like something produced by the bastard child of Amanda Palmer and Tim Minchin and I say, my work here is done. Thankyou Thankyou for always inspiring me - to be a better writer ( I also write scripts) - but also to form a band ( albeit one that’s not likely to go anywhere due to life constraints - but the dream is enough!). This is - as usual - another beautifully devastating song. Exactly what all songs should be, imho. Can’t wait to hear the rest - and to see you if you’re coming over to the UK X

Jamie Young

This is a gorgeous song Amanda. I'm keeping my fingers and toes crossed hoping you guys will do some shows in the UK in the future!

EmVT

Houdini was my fave until Runner. As usual, impossible to choose. Friday night was fabulous, I sweated through my signed limited edition photos from RiotFest and wouldn't have it any other way :) Houdini gut punch line "...I don't think it was a lie, you were just saying what you had to to survive"

Darwin's Observations

Admired the piano skills of Benny Andersson, Daryl Dragon, Elton, John & Paul as a youngling and at 54 still find myself falling in love with songs. Thank you for the drip release! Looking forward to the December 8th gathering.

Erika Blumberg

That’s the song that made me fall in love with your music. I want to tell you that story.

Erika Blumberg

My favorite type of AFP song- honest, raw, gut-wrenching. I feel privileged to have seen you play it at GSV.

Jann

Love it. You know it's a great song when it still echoes in your head after listening. <3

Regina Holt

psst. it’s awesome and i love you!

Kate Opanowycz

I love you Amanda ,the song is perfect love from Oz; Brisbane

DebbieG

Wow. Like. Going to listen tomorrow with an awake brain. Thank you for sharing with us. Glad the NYC shows were awesome.

Andrew Tomkovich

Came to the show with my baby sister on the 25th, I introduced her to you about 17 years ago. Your music has gotten us both through a lot. Words cannot express our gratitude.

Gerry Lipnowski

Hey Amanda and Brian! My friend Ali and I flew to New York from Montreal Friday, saw your luminously awesome show Saturday and returned home Sunday. It was an experience years in the making, as the Dolls haven't played here in Montreal in nearly 16 years, and Saturday was the first time either of us had the opportunity to see you perform in person (although I was fortunate enough to see Amanda's mesmerizing solo show here in 2019, genuinely one of the top 10 shows of the over 3,000 I've been to in my life). Anyway... Saturday was just so beautiful.... simultaneously so thrilling and moving, and we loved it.... and we love the new songs....and we love your boundless compassion....and we love you both. Thank you for repudiating complacency and continuing to be such an inspiration.

Sahrami

Listening to this while the first snow is falling, filling my bedroom with more light it has seen in weeks-pretty damn magical. Thank you Amanda for this treasure❤️I love you.

Debz michaela

The initial chords sent waves of pain and pleasure through me.. keep creating the extraordinary soundscapes that echo the pain in my life. Beauty 💜

Julie Steele

Amanda, this song is so fucking beautiful and I love it already. I can’t wait to share this with my friends later when it’s officially released. 💜 I’m not quite sure what I expected Houdini to be about but this is beyond any expectations. Sending love early this morning to everyone 💕

Izile

It was amazing! Fan for a long time but first time getting to see the two of you together - only saw solo shows before. I play piano, so I don't think I ever really appreciated exactly how absolutely amazing Brian was until I saw him live! You two together are ELECTRIC!!

Neil Brown

Was at Friday night's show, and it was spectacular! You guys are the BEST! New songs and old were all captivating (I mean, I certainly was surprised and delighted to hear "Half Jack!"). A night to remember!

Wally

Amazing song Amanda!!! 🩶🎶 Also, a very timely release, as Houdini famously died on Halloween, 1926. 😮 Happy Halloween to all! 🎃👻🎩🎶🎵

Coila

LOVE those pictures! Love the song! You had me dancing around my kitchen in my elf costume. Perfect flowy sleeves for it. Bittersweet music. Beautiful. Thank you

Silvia DW

I lost a very close life-long friend to cancer about 2 years ago. Reading your comment left me with tears in my eyes. Hearing the song live made me cry frantically.

Silvia DW

That is the song that best captures Christmas feelings for me. The widespread “need” to be cheerful and celebrating during this time of the year is particularly painful for those who have a highly dysfunctional family or are going through a difficult time and are in a totally different mood. Thank you for crushing that holiday hypocrisy! PS: it would be great if we could get this one as the next demo, just in time for surviving next Christmas…

Silvia DW

Complementing my previous comment, I’m new here and only now say that Another Christmas was already posted last December!! I’m over the moon! Thank you!

Rhiannon Crutchley

Oh man I love the song 🖤 cant wait to hear the new work with the band. You have got a lot to answer for! I'm recording my 3rd album now and I'm screaming and wailing into the mic, taking the pauses when I need to, pushing that emotion... and you have an awful lot to do with inspiring my technique and song form over the last few years.... thank you xxx

Alexandra Anne

My best friend and I came from Wisconsin for Friday & Saturday!! Fantastic shows!! 💜💓💜💓

Lisa Claire

This was the song I’ve been waiting for you to release since 2020. I felt every sentence and every chord of that song vibrating through my soul and bouncing back to yours with empathy and love. I love you and your breathtaking music Amanda. 🖤

Anabelle

So powerful and touching... Have been following you (& Brian) since hearing you on the radio in a car driving through Berlin at the age of probably 13 searching you down by some splinters of lyrics, doing presentations at boarding school (for classical music as a violinist) about my favourite band innocently playing Coin Operated Boy or translating the booklet of Who Killed Amanda Palmer ;) , later seeing you live while studying in NYC and Copenhagen (before COVID hit & left me stranded in Sweden). These new songs are probably among my favourites... Thank you.