Laurie Anderson explores the tragic life of aviation pioneer Amelia Earhart in her latest album, Amelia. Released on August 28, 2024, the album presents a poetic and impressionistic narrative of Earhart's ill-fated quest to circumnavigate the globe in 1937.
For Anderson, the themes of flight and the inevitable descent have been common threads throughout her oeuvre. On a video chat from her home in East Long Island, Anderson remarked, "I do love a doomed quest," echoing sentiments expressed in her earlier work. On her debut album, Big Science, the first words also reference preparation for a crash, illustrating Anderson's longstanding fascination with perilous journeys.
Amelia showcases a blend of orchestral music and electronic elements, featuring contributions from artists such as Anohni and Marc Ribot. The album begins and concludes with the sound of an airplane engine, signifying both the anticipation and dread of Earhart's journey. Anderson employs both singing and spoken word, incorporating Earhart's own telegrams and recorded interviews alongside her compositions.
While Anderson recalls her initial struggles with a previous orchestral version of Amelia first presented in 2000, she views those challenges as invaluable learning experiences. Now, with a renewed focus on emotional resonance, she aims to evoke the complex feelings surrounding Earhart's ambition, fear, and ultimate despair as she navigates vast territories.
Anderson’s recent works have also tackled themes of loss and communication, with her late husband Lou Reed’s influence evident in her reflections on empathy following grief. She states, "Any time that happens, things that you lose, I think creates empathy, for sure," underscoring how personal experiences shape her art.
Reflecting on the significance of Earhart's legacy, Anderson admires the aviator's role as a pioneer for women in fields such as engineering and aviation. Anderson explained that if Earhart had survived, she would have championed education for girls in traditionally male-dominated subjects.
As she continues to delve into Earhart’s life and character, Anderson emphasizes the importance of authentic representation in her artistic endeavors. Amelia stands as a testament to Anderson's innovative spirit, intertwining historical narrative with deeply personal artistry. For an exploration of the album's sonic landscape and its thematic depth, visit Spin.