R.E.M.

I had the good fortune to be one of 20 artists asked to be part of the R.E.M. tribute show at Carnegie Hall two nights ago. I did “Nightswimming” armed with only a looping pedal and my friend Chris on upright bass. I love that song. It seasoned my summer of ‘93. I listened to Automatic for the People on constant rotation that summer. So when I was asked which song I wanted to do, I knew immediately.

R.E.M. was there, in the audience. I have never been so nervous in all of my life. I was trembling a good 20 minutes after I walked off stage. I felt like I had a switch on my back that was flipped onto the “vibrate” setting. The main reason why I was so scared was because I had just learned how to use a looping pedal recently and had never performed in front of people with it. I chose Carnegie Hall to be the venue to break open my looping pedal skills for the very first time. Why? Why on earth would I choose to do that? Why would I put myself through such anxiety? Because fear is to be battled. Fear is to be eaten and digested. To do something that frightens you, and to come through unscathed, even stronger, is incredibly empowering.

I looked at Chris (who was as nervous as I) and he looked at me, we both took a big breath and began. And i just sang. I closed my eyes and sang. At one point, I opened my eyes and took in the beauty and majesty of Carnegie Hall. And I thought to myself, “enjoy this Ingrid, f*cking ENJOY IT!” My voice over my voice over my voice over my voice laced with Chris’ beautiful bass lines, bowing and plucking, swirled and hung in the air. I could feel it. I could almost see it. It was a night that I will never forget. And I am thankful for it.

I hope you have the chance to pummel fear into the dirt.

Punch punch punch.