2019 saw the release of Ioanna Gika’s (Io Echo) release of debut solo album Thalassa, and embarked on tours with Chelsea Wolfe and Garbage. For the album’s anniversary, she has shared a Devendra Banhart cover of her song “Swan.” The cover is available exclusively on Ioanna’s Bandcamp page and Devendra’s YouTube with all proceeds going to the Los Angeles Downtown Women’s Center. Listen to the song and read statements from Devendra and Ioanna below

From Devendra Banhart: “I admire and respect Ioanna immensely , one of the great singers , poets , composers & performers of our time , really an otherworldly kind of creature/being , I love her and I love this song so much , It’s so very rare to meet someone you aren’t quite convinced is from this planet…. There I was , listening for the first time , totally drawn into this twilight crystal moon world that her voice immediately evokes , and the chorus comes in : “Let me hear the swan sing / Melody of mourning / Sweeter than the silent / Exit without warning” My heart broke hearing that …. What a beautiful stanza, endless knot of longing , wow…… it was an honor to totally ruin this amazing song!”

Ioanna Gika adds: “It is a pleasure to hear the song through Devendra’s distinct voice and vision. He is not only a prodigious artist, but one whom I have always appreciated for the way that he fosters community. Together, we have decided that we would like all proceeds from this cover to go to the Downtown Women’s Center in Los Angeles. Providing housing, healthcare, and assistance, the DWC is an important organization and one that is meaningful to us both.”