For a song that is deceptively simple upon first listen, My Brightest Diamond’s "Disappear" reveals its layers only upon repeated listen. It is a careful song, tempered with accurate pace but yet climatic.  A new EP released today exclusively to iTunes helps illicit those stratum. The EP  features the original "Disappear," an alternate version, and two remixes. The five song EP is available on iTunes.

[Buy "Disappear" from iTunes]

[Tour Dates] In the alternate version, the solid warmth of a string quartet juxtaposes with Shara’s haunting vocals – all while New York City cabs and buses pass in the background. Suddenly, "Disappear" seems less intimidating, more like a warm but slightly bitter coffee on the way to the subway.

In the hands of DJ slash Producer Stakka, Shara’s "One day I may disappear" becomes less a promise and more a dangerous flirtation with existence. Stakka accentuates the drums, giving the song an awkward weightiness, but leaves space for Shara’s voice to dive and swing in the space between beats. It’s comfortably jarring.  Drummer James McAlister, whom Shara met while conscripted for Sufjan Steven’s Michigan Militia band, starts at the opposite end of "Disappear." In his reins, the song becomes airy, almost inconsequential, like whistling on a sunny day after the apocalypse.

Our lovely Ms. Shara Worden has been nominated for a Plug Award in the category of Female Artist of the Year.  Please head on over to the Plug Awards website and cast your vote for Shara Worden.  A panel of independent music taste-testing bigwigs make the nominations, but the public cast the votes.  Also, Sufjan Stevens has been nominated for Male Artist of the Year, but we feel he got plenty of attention last year from the Plug Awards and recommend you vote for Chad VanGaalen or Scott Walker.  Have you ever listened to Tilt?

Babygrande Records announced the September 19th release of Jedi Mind Tricks’ fifth album, Servants In Heaven, Kings In Hell.  Jedi’s renowned status as one of the most revered and reviled groups in independent music is a testament to their unwavering commitment to a unique aesthetic.  The album marks the return of indie hip-hop favorites with guest appearances by ILL Bill, Sean Price, R.A. The Rugged Man and more as well as  pioneering indie rock collaborative efforts including two tracks with Shara Worden of My Brightest Diamond, as well as a reworking of Sufjan’s "Dumb I Sound" off of his debut record, A Sun Came.

Asthmatic Kitty and underground hip-hop?  Surprised?  Well, if you are, be prepared for many more surprises to come in the new year.

LISTEN: Jedi Mind Tricks featuring Shara Worden – Razorblade Salvation

Yellow Bird Project asked Shara Worden of My Brightest Diamond to draw a t-shirt design for the charity of her choice. Shara chose the Road Recovery charity, which is comprised of entertainment industry professionals whose lives have been touched by addiction and other adversities and now wish to make a positive impact on the lives of others. Shara has known members of the executive board of Road Recovery for many years and believes in their work, so she felt great about supporting them! You can support them too by purchasing a tee shirt.

The tees are $25 and are available through the [Yellow Bird Project Website].

On August 24th My Brightest Diamond and Asthmatic Kitty Records celebrate the release of Bring Me the Workhorse (in stores August 22nd) with a record release show in the famous Spiegel Tent.  Currently at South Street Seaport at Pier 17 in New York City this touring 1920’s venue is a tent of a 1000 mirrors, velvet and stained glass.  A magical context for a magical artist.

[Bring Me the Workhorse Available Now!]

My Brightest Diamond is magical.  My Brightest Diamond is Shara Worden, who possesses a voice so rich and visceral, you almost feel as if she is singing the secrets of your heart. She creates a world of shiny baubles, exploding stars, wild horses, fledgling birds, tragedy, and love. Each song is a symphony and a revelation, overflowing with angular guitars, stirring keyboards, sweeping gothic strings and Shara’s own dazzling voice- a compelling mix that transcends genres and pierces the heart.

We are pleased to welcome her to our family.  Her debut release, [Bring Me The Workhorse] will be released on August 22nd.