Shelley Thomas’s highly anticipated EP, “Broken Open,” is out today, marking a significant evolution in her artistic journey. This collection delves deeply into the final stage of healing from a profound double heartbreak, capturing Shelley’s emotional transition from despair to a place of powerful self-realization.
“Broken Open” encapsulates the cathartic process Shelley experienced as she faced and transcended her pain. The EP opens with the poignant single “Castle Wall,” which features a delicate piano and oud motif, reflecting the emptiness Shelley felt during her darkest moments. This simple yet evocative introduction mirrors the profound void she experienced—a void she gradually filled with hope and her own spirit, which she poured into each track.
The second single, “Our Love Was Art,” further showcases Shelley’s journey through raw vulnerability and eventual renewal. As the EP unfolds, it highlights Shelley’s process of witnessing her own suffering, detaching from it, and channeling her pain into creative expression. The production accentuates every detail of her emotional journey, leading listeners through a landscape of deep introspection and growth. The arrangements build with layers of strings and vocal harmonies, creating a rich, immersive experience that culminates in a sense of transcendence.
Shelley shares of the release:
““Broken Open” is the creative process portraying the final stage of healing from a devastating double heartbreak. It describes the catharsis I went through, from loss and total despair, to eventually blossoming into my true authentic self, more powerful and present than ever before. I wanted it to be pure and filled with light. The simple piano / oud motif shows the emptiness I felt. An emptiness waiting to be filled with hope, which I found by filling it with my own spirit that I poured into the music. Witnessing my own pain and detaching from it. It’s through my creative expression that I become healed. I’m honest about my stories and every detail of the song production accentuates what I was feeling at the time. The end builds with layers and layers of strings and vocal harmonies, leading into transcendence and renewal. It’s also a reminder that we can choose to close and become jaded, or expand our hearts even more when they have been broken open into that raw, vulnerable state. I love myself enough to know that I deserve happiness and every wish fulfilled, and that is what I intend to have. I won’t be limited by the pain of my past. I will continue to open and expand my heart, increasing in compassion and understanding. Through the darkness, comes grace and rebirth— if only we are willing to be courageous enough to walk through it, and to ask for help. That is the message I want to give to others. It won’t last forever – it will get better than you can imagine, if you allow yourself to truly feel the tidal waves throughout the whole process, no matter how long it takes. The key here is staying present in your body, not escaping from the pain or sabotaging yourself. Then we can truly let go, heal, and make space in our lives for new and better things.”
“Broken Open” serves as a poignant reminder of the choices we face in the aftermath of heartbreak. It underscores the decision to either close ourselves off and become jaded or to open our hearts further, even when they have been broken. Shelley’s message is one of courage and self-love, emphasizing that by embracing our vulnerabilities and remaining open, we can achieve a deeper level of compassion and understanding.
The EP also reflects Shelley’s belief in staying present throughout the healing process. She advocates for fully experiencing and feeling the emotional waves that come with recovery, without escaping or sabotaging oneself. This approach is vital for making space in our lives for new and better things.
Shelley Thomas’s musical expertise shines through her ability to weave diverse influences into her work. With a career spanning over sixteen years, she has mastered a range of genres, from folk and jazz to classical and traditional world vocal arts. Her dedication to her craft is evident in her collaborations with renowned artists like Yo-Yo Ma and Silkroad, The Knights, Kronos Quartet, and Brooklyn Youth Chorus, as well as her performances at prestigious venues such as Lincoln Center and the Moscow Conservatory.
On September 24th, Shelley will be premiering “Broken Open” live with her brand new ensemble at Hart Bar in Brooklyn. The event will feature harpist Kat Redlus and sound healer Alex Beckman, promising an evening of profound musical and healing experiences. This live performance will offer a unique opportunity to experience the EP’s intricate arrangements and emotive depth in a captivating setting.
“Broken Open” invites listeners to delve into the deep emotional and spiritual layers Shelley has woven into her music. It reflects her commitment to embracing vulnerability and transformation, providing an authentic and resonant experience. Through her art, Shelley not only shares her personal journey but also inspires others to confront their own challenges with courage and hope.
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