Victory Gardens first appeared as a nickname. I was 25 and had just started working in a hospital, mostly with patients who had terminal illnesses and were at the end of their journeys. My ID badge read "Victoria Giardina," which the medical interns translated from Italian to "Victory Gardens." They told me it sounded like a stage name, and jokingly encouraged me to start a band. At that time, my music-making was a complete secret from the medical world in which I worked. But with the mere mention of Victory Gardens, it quickly became something I could no longer hide. These songs are a direct result of my connection with many different humans over the past 5 years, most of whom have slipped beneath the veil, into the Great Unknown. I offer them as prayers.
This album is dedicated to Peter Browne, my college chamber choir teacher, yet another soul who has passed on. He taught me many things, but most importantly, to embrace dissonance. This record was made possible through the help of Goddess, my friends, my fellows, and my family. I was also lucky enough to have some extraordinary musicians by my side. Victory Gardens is a rotating cast of characters and this album's particular incarnation included the following souls:
Victoria Giardina: vocals, guitar, piano
Joe Rogers: guitar, organ, trumpet, drums,harmony vocals, ghosts
Peter Lalish: guitar & keys (tracks 1,3,5),
Maia Friedman: harmony vocals (tracks 1,3,4,5,6), theremin (track 1)
David Lizmi: upright bass (track 1)
Ken Woodward: upright bass (tracks 4, 5, 6)
Jack Moulton: bass (track 2)
Produced, engineered, mixed & mastered by Joe Rogers at Room 17
Assistant engineer: Jack Moulton
Additional engineering: Peter Lalish (track 2,5) at Holy Cow Palace & Northwood Narrows Schoolhouse
Album Cover Photos: Robin Crookall
Album Art Design: Emily-Kate Hannapel
For more info, instagram: @ victory_gardens
All songs written by Victory Gardens
The Alabama duo's fifth album exults in dusty Americana, showcasing rich vocal harmonies alongside blissful folk instrumentation. Bandcamp New & Notable Mar 31, 2024
More contemplative folk from the Minnesota singer-songwriter, sustained by raw full-band arrangements and philosophical lyrics. Bandcamp New & Notable Mar 28, 2024
Irish singer-songwriter Oisin Leech's acoustic folk music is characterized by its muted beauty and intimate, solitary quality. Bandcamp New & Notable Mar 16, 2024
A gorgeous journey through a kaleidoscopic array of sonic approaches melted together that feels old and new at the same time. Bandcamp New & Notable Mar 5, 2024
The legendary Richard Thompson's new solo album exemplifies his many musical paths, from pop and cabaret to jazz to traditional folk. Bandcamp New & Notable Mar 2, 2024