Human Experience

Mia Doi Todd's album Human Experience is a joyful balm for the mind, body and soul. It envelopes the listener with Mia's beautiful voice, impeccable songwriting and a worldview that encompasses life's great range of emotions-pleasure, sorrow, love, jealousy-while also acknowledging the trouble with human-centrism. Produced by Willie Nelson's youngest son, multi-instrumentalist Micah Nelson aka Particle Kid, the songs were recorded in one blissful week on Maui, and the island vibes permeate. Human Experience, chronicles Mia's family life on the island of Maui for the last few years. The ten songs came to her very quickly in between cooking and cleaning and trips to the park or beach. They have their own island flavor. Recording the songs came very naturally. Her longtime friend and collaborator, Andres Renteria, plays percussion and Aroyn Day from Micah's band Particle Kid joined to play bass. The album was mixed with Mario Caldato Jr. in northeast Los Angeles, Mia's home town. Human Experience features guest appearances from Miguel Atwood-Ferguson on strings, Gabe Noel on bass, Mia's husband Jesse Peterson on keys and whistles and their daughter Ynez on backup vocals. The final track, "Kaupakalua," her homage to the Hawaiian mele honoring a place, brings together two of Maui's most beloved musicians, George Kahumoku Jr. and Geri Valdriz.