Appaloosa Bones - Gregory Alan Isakov

Singer/songwriter Gregory Alan Isakov mixes indie-rock and folk when creating his music. He was born in South Africa and later moved to the United States. You may recognize him from his songs Amsterdam or Big Black Car. His newest album, Appaloosa Bones, was released in 2023 and features slower, quieter songs. He takes a lot of inspiration from the world around him, both nature and people. Isakov started writing Appaloosa Bones during COVID, and the album reflects life in motion and life on pause. 

While reading Culture Care by Makoto Fujimura, this one quote stuck out to me: “the reality of the arts requires that we follow our calling no matter what others think or even what we believe ourselves. When art is simply what we must do to stay true to ourselves, it is a calling.” This quote stuck out to me, especially regarding Isakov and his art, which he creates because not only does he write and perform music for a living, but he also runs his farm when he is home. I think it is really inspiring to see an artist who loves to write about nature and the land he lives on while simultaneously cultivating that land. 

Isakov’s farm, Starling Farm, is a small farm in Boulder County, Colorado. He provides produce for local food banks, restaurants, and CSA members. When Fujimura talks about one's “calling,” I think that Gregory Alan Isakov has definitely found his. He is writing his music and running his farm because it is what is true to him. It is clear from reading this interview by Atwood Magazine just how much inspiration and love he has for both parts of his life. 

Learn more:
https://atwoodmagazine.com/gvab-gregory-alan-isakov-appaloosa-bones-album-interview-music-feature/
https://gregoryalanisakov.com/biography