Topaz McGarrigle, lead of the acclaimed Austin-based funk collective Golden Dawn Arkestra, has struck out on his own with a new solo endeavour. McGarrigle's EP, entitled "The Gift", is set to release on June 28, with a debut party planned for June 29 at the new downtown dance club, Roma. This release marks McGarrigle's first foray into solo artistry, a departure from the energetic ensemble performances Golden Dawn Arkestra is known for.
The new material showcases a more intimate, personal side of McGarrigle. Each of the three music videos represents a letter to his wife, Rose Barnett, involved in each production with her keen fashion sense. Crafted as a "cosmic opera trilogy," these videos are already available on YouTube, encouraging fans to get familiar with the content before the event. According to CultureMap Austin, guests attending the EP release party are encouraged to dress opulently, inspired by a Pinterest board curated by McGarrigle himself, filled with images from old Hollywood, the queer ballroom scene, Cher, and traditional opera costumes.
While establishing his sound with "The Gift," McGarrigle reminisced about his formative years in Dripping Springs, describing it as a "Bohemian haven." He drew inspiration from a variety of characters in his life, including a saxophone teacher who played with country legend George Strait, and an elderly Mexican cowboy named Tom Alba. "I just love drama and grand concepts," McGarrigle shared, mirroring his inclination to transcend the ordinary, as reported by CultureMap Austin.
In anticipation of his solo career's takeoff, McGarrigle also reflected on Golden Dawn Arkestra's decade-long history, particularly at SXSW. Speaking about the importance of playing live, he advised new artists to "Play as many shows as you can," and to seek out genuine connections over industry schmoozing. As quoted by Austin Monthly, McGarrigle emphasized authenticity to SXSW artists: "If you give all you got, the audience will love you."
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