Jo Schornikow – Altar

But also gifts from yoga teachers and jewelry from visited churches and temples. As well as tickets from special concerts, world tours and trips. Souvenirs from Schornikow's life in Melbourne, New York and Nashville. Or as the Australian sums it up, "Altar, in this case, is a fancy word for something very simple; a collection of things that are important to me."

Also included: crystals and a rose quartz, as well as candles from friends. A bow hemp, incense sticks and a vase that held the first flowers of her now-life partner. A longtime member of Phosphorescent and partner of Matthew Houck, Jo Schornikow's new solo album "Altar" picks up where it all once began for the Australian singer/songwriter

The songs on "Altar," the musician's recently announced sophomore album, were written while traveling between Melbourne, New York and Jo Schornikow's new home of Nashville - and were recorded in Melbourne during a blisteringly hot summer. If the debut "Secret Weapon", released in 2019 on the Keeled Scales label, sounded raw, scrappy and insecure in accordance with Jo's circumstances at the time, the songs on "Altar" now bubble out of the speakers like joyful announcements

Shornikov has come to terms with life's dichotomy: "I'm here and I'm not, life is wonderful and awful. I'm okay with it." The years of intensive touring with her partner and being thrown back on herself in her private life as a new mother of two children took a lot out of Schornikow in the past. But fortunately SHORNIKOW has freed herself from this low mood in the meantime, as you can see soon on her second album

"Altar" has become a collection of atmospheric songs, created from memories, events, hopes and dreams on Jo Schornikow's way. The nine pieces feel honest, open, intimate and funny at the same time and have that special charm that also characterizes songwriters like Adrianne Lenker.