Snowapple’s latest release is “Simple Things”, a long-time favorite with audiences at the group’s live shows.
In this current climate, with much of the world on lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic, certain songs seem to resonate with a deeper meaning – and the same is true of “Simple Things”.
The song reminds us of the little things in life we too often take for granted – we sometimes say goodbye to things too easily, not noticing how much we value them until they’re out of our lives.
“Simple Things” is an adaptation of Armando Tejada Gomez and Cesar Isella’s song “Las Simples Cosas”, which has been immortalised by Chavela Vargas, Mercedes Sosa, and so many others. Aside from nostalgia, the song also urges us to enjoy the present moment: “in the light of the afternoon you’ll find love, as long as you don’t fall asleep”.
For this recording, vocalist / bass-clarinetist Laurien Schreuder and Los Angeles-based producer David Ott assembled a unique lineup of musicians: Mexican harp marvel Malena Duarte and Snowapple members Cynthia Martinez and Osito Morro von Ropi (bass and flute) were joined by top L.A. trombonist Ryan Porter, as well as Leddie Garcia on percussion and Thomas Lea on violin. All other instruments were played by David and Laurien; the song was recorded in a tiny studio in central Hollywood.
About Snowapple
As a multidisciplinary international ensemble, Snowapple combines diverse musical influences such as pop, folk, opera, and experimental cumbia with theatrical elements and extravagant costumes. The group brings a unique sound and look to auditoriums and festivals – known for leapfrogging genres and producing epic shows, videos, and theatre productions with serious themes – full of musical and visual surprises.
Snowapple has played festivals such as Eurosonic (NL), Cervantino (MX), Ollin Kan (MX), Oerol (NL) and Larmer Tree (UK). Their music has been played multiple times on BBC Radio and the group has made several appearances on TV stations around the world, including Canal11, TV Azteca, and Canal22.
Snowapple is working on their new festival set, 4 Lunas, a follow-up to the group’s 2019 theatre shows Mr. Moon and Project Lucy, and to their political programme La Llorona – Ser Mujer (The Weeping One – Being a Woman), through which they are trying to raise awareness for femicides in Mexico.