High Llamas & Healing Potpourri :: In Conversation

Sean O’Hagan’s High Llamas project has always followed its creator’s whims. But with Hey Panda, the Llamas embark on their most unexpected journey yet, straight into the heart of the auto-tuned, hyper pop fixated social media feed. Simi Sohota of Healing Potpourri joins O’Hagan to unpack the new album, consider the spiritual life of pianos, and reflect on the way the ’90s changed how musicians approach—and shatter—the concept of genre.

The Lagniappe Sessions :: Healing Potpourri

Released last year, Healing Potpourri’s Paradise came across like an introspective deep dive, drawing upon all that inspired the band’s orchestral brew of infectious chamber pop. The recording project of Bay Area multi-instrumentalist Simi Sohota and collaborators, the group’s inaugural Lagniappe Session dives head first into these avant-pop sensibilities.

Healing Potpourri :: Paradise

Even when exploring themes of trepidation, the jovial songs of Paradise seem to function as naturally optimistic relics. On the aptly named album, Simi Sohota’s Oakland-based Healing Potpourri creates a swirling palette of psych-pop and multi-layered aural exotica.