As Amen Dunes, Damon McMahon has never quite settled in one place, musically speaking. He’s experimented with a variety of forms over the years — industrial, psych, minimalism, folk — restlessly traversing these sonic planes with a rotating cast of collaborators. At the very core of it all is McMahon’s warbly voice that questions the definitions of self, identity and family. He continues this self-reflection on his latest album, but quells the noise of nagging self-doubt with his boldest, brightest music to date. With the help of Parker Kindred (Antony and the Johnsons, Jeff Buckley) on drums, Chris Coady in the producer’s seat, Nick Zinner on guitar and other friends along for the ride, the aptly titled _Freedom_ is a resplendent exercise in acceptance. Amen Dunes joins Vivian today to discuss the journey he took to get to this place of zen, the guidance found in the work of abstract artist Agnes Martin and so much more.
