Singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and producer Agnes Obel returns with The Meaning of Flowers, her first album in six years and the follow-up to 2020’s Myopia. Written, recorded, arranged and produced by Obel in her Berlin studio, the album explores the emotional and creative transformation of motherhood, intertwining nature, change and new beginnings.
Drawing inspiration from the poetry of Enheduanna, the world’s first named author, alongside the ideas of philosophers Hannah Arendt and Emanuele Coccia, The Meaning of Flowers reflects on the profound changes that come with motherhood. Obel explores Arendt’s concept of natality, the idea of new beginnings that comes with bringing new life into the world. At the same time, becoming a mother temporarily alters her neuroplasticity, allowing her thoughts and compositional process to flow in new directions.
The opening title track introduces this world with delicate strings and angelic vocals. Obel explains:
“I wanted to see if I could get close to the feeling of a new beginning. It shows itself in the experience of interconnectedness and a new expansive feeling of love that will never end. The point when the inner monologue becomes something interactive and expansive – beyond your own life – and opens your mind to a new and richer notion of life.”
The Meaning of Flowers is dedicated to Obel’s daughter: “she who has changed me and raised me and taught me so much – and I can feel so much more awaits to be learned.” Through motherhood, Obel embraces a sense of endless potential, with so much still left to discover.
With The Meaning of Flowers, Obel captures the rebirth of self that comes with motherhood, reflecting on how bringing new life into the world can open the door to becoming someone new yourself. It’s an album about change, discovery and stepping into a new era of possibility.
Tour dates:
24 Sep – Queensland Performing Arts Centre, Brisbane ·
26 Sep – Hamer Hall, Melbourne
27 Sep – Sydney Opera House
29 Sep – New Zealand International Convention Centre, Auckland
Full tour dates and tickets can be found on agnesobel.com.
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