My Heart Is An Outlaw

Description

Through their cinematic titles – each a melodic treasure and a short film – Dienel explores: what does freedom look like when it is rooted in presence, rather than escape? "Joy, especially queer joy, is revolutionary," they reflect. "Even in the face of everything else, I wanted to show that happiness is always possible – and necessary." The album came to life thanks to an impressive ensemble of collaborators: producer Adam Schatz (Japanese Breakfast, Neko Case), bassist Spencer Zahn, guitarists Carly Bond (Meernaa) and Meg Duffy (Hand Habits), drummer Max Jaffe, sound engineer Jake Aron (Solange, Snail Mail), and mastering engineer Heba Kadry (Björk, Sade). Breaking away from their usual DIY approach, Dienel embraced the power of the collective – an experience of trust, connection, and openness. Influenced by My Own Private Idaho and big-screen pop, like Born in the U.S.A., My Heart Is An Outlaw is a warm exploration. Can we love fully without being tamed? Can we resist cultural scripts by choosing presence and community over self-erasure? As they say, "The heart has its own mind... It's what holds you back and what you must free at your own pace, in your own way." From the beginnings of White Hinterland to the lush orchestral pop of their solo work, Dienel has continually bent and challenged the boundaries of independent music. My Heart Is An Outlaw carries on this legacy – a joyful and unabashed declaration of queer love and creative agency.