Orlando Musician Launches Poetry Chapbook Amid Transition
Orlando, Florida – Local musician Taryn Kody, known for her work with the agitate-folk duo X Dirty Fingers, has released a new chapbook titled One Day These Hands Will Tear You Down. This collection, which combines lyrics, poetry, and personal reflections, debuts on December 14, 2024, marking a significant milestone in Kody’s artistic journey.
Who
Taryn Kody is an emerging artist whose work is influenced by a range of legendary folk musicians and rooted in a desire to express her lived experiences as a transgender artist. Kody’s music, characterized as a blend of folk, crust-punk, and Marxist rhetoric, powerfully conveys messages of resistance and community.
What
The chapbook compiles over a decade’s worth of Kody’s creative expressions, including lyrics from more than 35 songs and various poems written between 2014 and 2024. The collection reflects Kody’s unique voice and perspective, fusing the personal with the political. The book is partially seen as a farewell to Orlando, as Kody plans to relocate from Florida in the coming months.
Where
The chapbook will be launched at Barley and Vine during Renee Arozqueta’s Folk Night, where Kody will also perform alongside other artists like Jason Earle and the Ladybits. Additionally, she has scheduled performances at local markets and house shows across Orlando, making the release a multi-faceted celebration of her work.
When
The official release is set for December 14, with various performances leading up to the date. Kody’s last appearances in Orlando include a set at the Audubon Market from 6 PM to 8 PM on December 23 and two house shows on December 20 and 23, focusing on community engagement, including a food and blanket drive for Food Not Bombs.
Why
Kody’s motivation for publishing this chapbook stems from her desire to leave behind a piece of herself on her own terms, especially given her reflections on mortality and legacy as a transgender artist. She emphasizes the importance of sharing experiences and insights, stating, “We’re all stitches in the big pattern, and our elders have a lot of lessons to teach.”
Throughout One Day These Hands Will Tear You Down, Kody showcases her witty and pointed lyricism, with commentary on contemporary issues, such as capitalism and social justice. The book includes a manifesto that echoes the themes seen in her music, offering readers insight into her influences and thought processes.
Kody’s music, often better experienced live, encourages audience participation and social awareness. One of her most popular songs, “Steal From Your Boss,” is described as a catchy anthem that resonates with those frustrated by workplace dynamics. Despite being excluded from recordings, the song has garnered recognition across various locations, capturing the spirit of rebellion against oppressive structures.
As Kody prepares to leave Orlando, she aims to create lasting memories and connections through her performances and written words. “Whatever happens in the coming years, people have survived and resisted similar injustices in the past,” she reflects, highlighting her commitment to activism through art.
With her upcoming departure, Kody’s focus remains on celebrating her journey through music and poetry while fostering community connections that extend beyond her time in Orlando.
