No. 038 - Arthur Russell’s “Soon-to-Be Innocent Fun/Let’s See” changed my life
No. 038 - Arthur Russell’s “Soon-to-Be Innocent Fun/Let’s See” changed my life
Photographer Olivia Locher on the overheard song that she now holds most dear
This Song Changed My Life is an independent music publication featuring essays from people all around the world about the songs that mean the most to them. Created by Grace Lilly, supported by readers.
• 3 min read •
I first heard Arthur Russell's music in 2008, when I was 17 years old.
One afternoon, my older brother Brandon was listening to Arthur Russell’s album World of Echo, and I couldn’t help but wonder what those intoxicating sounds were coming from upstairs in our childhood home. From that moment on I was under Arthur's spell, and his music has been a large part of my life ever since!
The song that immediately stood out — and changed my life — was “Soon-to-Be Innocent Fun/Let's See.” I could listen to it all day, and it would never get stale.
At that moment in my life, I was at a significant crossroads.
I was about to leave a very sheltered life for New York City, where I knew no one. I was a frail teenager who was homeschooled in rural Pennsylvania, and I lived in the pages of fashion magazines, daydreaming endlessly about becoming a fashion photographer.
Arthur's music entered my life at that very perfect time.
There's something so comforting about being blanketed in the warm sounds of his cello and voice. The music was way ahead of its time… and still is! Arthur wanted to make music for nightclubs and was very interested in disco, although he created something so much more special. Allen Ginsberg categorized his music as “Buddhist bubblegum.”
Check out this video of Allen and Arthur “Do[ing] the Meditation Rock”:
Arthur didn’t release much music while he was alive, but several albums of his various unheard recordings were compiled and released poshumously. This music seems to have been with me for most of my life, and it remains so sentimental! It truly is transcendent; this music has become spiritual for me.
When I moved to Manhattan to attend art school, I held Arthur's music so close. His albums were the most cherished thing on my iPod and hard drive. It wasn't until later in life that I got the vinyl copies. I have many memories of walking miles and miles, completely tuning out the city with Arthur’s music on my iPod.
I have always had and continue to have difficulty making friends, and Arthur's music has always been great company. I’ve felt every emotion with World of Echo as the soundtrack.
Arthur Russell died in 1992, at the age of 40. Like too many others, he was taken too soon by AIDS; but his spirit truly lives on forever. More and more beautiful projects keeping Arthur's memory alive continue to be released.
Check out the Documentary Wild Combination: A Portrait of Arthur Russell by Matt Wolf, Tim Lawrence's book Hold On to Your Dreams: Arthur Russell and the Downtown Music Scene, 1973-1992, and a new book by Richard King, Travels Over Feeling.
There is a stunning video of Arthur performing “Soon-to-Be Innocent Fun/Let's See” in 1985 by the recently departed Phill Niblock. It is the perfect portrait, and I visit it very often by projecting it very large on my bedroom walls.
This music always and forever finds a way to both comfort and haunt me.
I know for certain that it will be dear to me as long as I am on this Earth. ◆
New here? Subscribe for free Friday essays and Monday Bites 💌
Want to support? Upgrade to paid and unlock exclusive content 🤫
About Olivia
Olivia Locher was born in 1990 in Johnstown, Pennsylvania. She has resided in Manhattan, NYC since 2009. Currently she splits her time between the woods and NYC. Locher is known for her sarcastic approach to studio photography with a heavy focus on color and concept.
Instagram @olivialocher
Website www.olivialocher.com
If you enjoyed this post, “like” it & leave a comment 🧡
Music lover? Subscribe! It’s fun and free.
Real people, real stories
Join our community of music lovers and brighten up your week.
“I love getting those emails! My inbox is so bleak it brings so much joy!” - Olivia
“We need more things like this in the world!” - Paul
“Such a great idea, and so much better than just a song rec.” - Madeline
In an increasingly lonely world, TSCML exists as an antidote to the sterility of the algorithm. Here you’ll find ultra-personal stories from real people all over the globe, gathered intentionally to make you feel more connected to others through music ❤️
If you like this
Please consider upgrading your free subscription to paid to support my work and get exclusive content 😊
“This post was worth a paid sub alone.”
Paid subscribers get a secret post every month. I open up, get personal, and share extra special music — and you help keep TSCML going.
What people are saying
〰️ “This is my favorite post yet.”
〰️ “I so love when you introduce new things to me.”
〰️ “Great great playlist. Honestly you have the best taste.”
“There’s a concert later, you should stay!”
Three nights ago, two supremely friendly art gallery staff members were telling me that there would be live music in one hour.
I was standing in a massive room at 54 Crosby Street in Soho (former location of the “cultishly adored” retailer Totokaelo), surrounded by art from a show put on by Stilllife, a Gen-Z founded art community that bridges the East and West.
My always-knows-about-cool-stuff friend Leah Huang had invited me and was on her way to meet me at the gallery.
Like all memorable New York City nights, our plans for the evening had already evolved. What had initially started as a simple mission to grab food now included going to this art show. And going to this art show now included going to this concert.
I wasn’t mad about it.
Something in the air that night put me in the perfect mood for spontaneity…
What song changed your life?
You, yes you! If you’d like to participate in This Song Changed My Life, just fill out this simple form for consideration. I’m always looking to hear people’s stories.
Explore
Getting bizarre and beautiful with one of the best guitarists of all time — A Bite of St. Vincent 🍪
Loneliness, a dream trip to Ireland, and the lyrics that made an age-old lesson click for Stone Deal — No. 037 - Pinegrove's “Aphasia” changed my life