New York, NY (Top40 Charts) Vagabon (aka Lætitia Tamko) has released two alternate versions of songs from her critically praised 2019 album Vagabon: "In A Bind (Strings Version)" and "Wits About You (Saxophone Version)." A video for the former also debuts today. It is directed by Maegan Houang, who also directed Vagabon's video for "Water Me Down." Vagabon begins a spring headlining tour in Philadelphia on March 31. The complete itinerary, including new dates supporting Brittany Howard, is below.
Tamko says of the alternate version of "In A Bind" and its video: "When recording 'In a Bind' for the album, I struggled with what arrangement was best for this song. Originally, I thought it should include soaring strings and be very theatrical and dramatic. A few days before I was meant to hand in the album, I did away with the strings and found that to be the best decision given the context of the album as a whole."
She continues, "I'm glad this string version gets to see the light of day with this video directed by Maegan Houang. I like for my videos to give the listener a visual perspective they may not have thought of when left to their own imagination. In listening, it's easy to hear 'In a Bind' as a love song but through this video I wanted to show what was in my imagination. As I stand through all the disasters, lyrics such as 'my body's gone awry' take on a new meaning, a meaning the listener didn't imagine. It felt perfect to pair this visual with the alternate string version of the song.
"I would like to note that one of the disasters in the video is a tornado, which of course may bring to mind the tragic storm in Nashville last week. My thoughts are with everyone in that city. For those looking to help, the Nashville Scene has compiled a guide with many options."
Houang adds, "For 'In A Bind,' I was interested in using all the tools of the past and the present to convey the timeless feelings of being trapped, to create a world for Lætitia to inhabit and rebel against at one and the same moment. We used rear screen projection and practical special effects to create a series of obstacles for her to continuously overcome."
Vagabon was included on numerous 2019 year-end lists including those by the New York Times, Pitchfork, Billboard, NPR, Paste, and UPROXX. To pick up a copy, head to your iTunes, Amazon, Bandcamp, and the Top40-Charts.com Store, where CD and vinyl orders include a download of the complete album and a limited-edition autographed print while they last.
VAGABON ON TOUR
Mar 31 Johnny Brenda's Philadelphia, PA
Apr 1 Songbyrd Washington, DC
Apr 2 Cat's Cradle Carrboro, NC
Apr 3 The Mothlight Asheville, NC
Apr 4 Aisle 5 Atlanta, GA
Apr 6 One Eyed Jacks New Orleans, LA
Apr 7 White Oak
Music Hall Houston, TX
Apr 9 Antone's Nightclub Austin, TX
Apr 10 Ruins Dallas, TX
Apr 11 Encore at Uptown Kansas City, MO
Apr 12 Slowdown Omaha, NE
Apr 14 7th Street Entry Minneapolis, MN
Apr 15 Old Town School of Folk
Music Chicago, IL
Apr 16 Ace of Cups Columbus, OH
Apr 17 Deluxx Fluxx Detroit, MI
Apr 18 The Garrison Toronto, ON
Apr 20 Le Ministère Montreal, QC
Apr 21 Brighton
Music Hall Allston, MA
Apr 22 Music Hall of Williamsburg Brooklyn, NY
May 8 Lost Lake Lounge Denver, CO
May 9 Urban Lounge Salt Lake City, UT
May 11 Holocene Portland, OR
May 12 Fox Cabaret Vancouver, BC
May 13 Neumos Seattle, WA
May 15 Great American
Music Hall San Francisco, CA
May 16 The Echo Los Angeles, CA
May 17 Constellation Room Santa Ana, CA
May 23-25 Welcome Campers Otis, MA
Jun 6&7 VirginFest Los Angeles, CA
Jun 10 Stage AE* Pittsburgh, PA
Jun 13 Express Live* Columbus, OH
Jun 16 Murat Theatre at Old
National Centre* Indianapolis, IN
Jun 18 The Pageant* St. Louis, MO
Jun 19 Uptown Theater* Kansas City, MO
Aug 1 Newport Folk Festival Newport, RI
Aug 29 Into the Great Wide Open Festival Vlieland, NETHERLANDS
Sep 6 End of the Road Festival Salisbury, UK
* w/Brittany Howard.
