The Brvtalist is proud to premiere the first video from Mala Herba. The non-binary Polish artist and activist reveals "Wszystko marność”, referring to Polish traditions of winter songs about death, decay and Dance Macabre - a popular medieval art trope representing the dance of death. Originally released on independent cassette label TRANSFORMER, the track has been freshly remixed and represents the artist’s new direction - one of dark, danceable and mature production while staying true the original witchy characteristics of the project. Active since 2017, Mala Herba is the solo project of sound artist and queer music activist Zosia Hołubowska. Based on traditional music, magic and demonology of Eastern Europe, Mala Herba explores queerness and sex-positivity. They are also a member of Oramics, a Polish platform dedicated to strengthening the visibility of women, queer and non-binary artists in electronic music and promoting the Easten European scene. Oramics also functions as a collective booking agency.
The video was recorded on a VHS camera and the DIY production was also 100% femme and queer lead. The crew shot in the basement of Academy of Fine Arts in Vienna as well as queer feminist housing project “Rosa Lilla Villa”. The clip is an astounding work of mystic synths and witchy rhythms all which hypnotized us upon first watch. You can pick up the track here.
-JRS
Video Credits:
Camera: Ari Y. Richter, Lo Reen
Editing: Camy Huot, Martyna Tokarska, Zosia Hołubowska
Daemons: Alba Clevenger, Eleonora Ciani, Anna Zorg, Zosia Hołubowska, Anise Lite
Song Credits:
Written, recorded and mixed by Mala Herba
Vocals recorded by Florian Tremmel
Mastering: Sebastian Wasner
Mixing Support: William Leslie Smith