Mabe Fratti & Bill Orcutt Announce New Collaborative Album, Almost Waking

The sound of collaboration is taking shape with the announcement of Almost Waking, a fresh album from cellist Mabe Fratti and guitarist Bill Orcutt, slated for release on May 22 via Unheard of Hope. The pair have offered a first listen with the release of the title track and “El inicio es cuestión de suerte,” available now for streaming. The project marks a compelling intersection of two distinct musical voices, and a surprisingly organic partnership born from mutual admiration.

Fratti, a Guatemalan cellist based in Mexico City, first connected with Orcutt’s function through his self-titled 2017 album. “I connected a lot with his music and I had no idea that years later we would be collaborating!” she shared in a press release. The collaboration began unexpectedly when Orcutt, prompted by a mention of his work from Fratti, directly reached out via email. Orcutt himself acknowledged the serendipitous nature of the connection, noting that his longtime collaborator Chris Corsano had previously praised Fratti’s talent. “Mabe and I worked together for almost a year trading files remotely and the experience was amazing,” Orcutt posted on social media.

A Remote Dialogue in Sound

The album’s creation unfolded over nearly a year, with Fratti and Orcutt exchanging musical ideas remotely. Orcutt initiated the process by sending Fratti a series of guitar solos, which then became the foundation for the album’s development. Working from Mexico City with her Titanic bandmate I. La Catolica, Fratti focused on “deciphering the harmonic possibilities” of Orcutt’s guitar work and crafting melodies that complemented his style. The approach, Fratti explained, was to create space within the music, though she did allow for one track where she “shamelessly harmonized the vocals.” The result, she says, is an album with a “nostalgic vibe.”

Both artists arrive at this collaboration with established and critically acclaimed bodies of work. Fratti recently released Hagen with her band Titanic, an album that earned a spot on Pitchfork’s list of The Best Albums of 2025. Orcutt, meanwhile, released Music in Continuous Motion, a guitar quartet album, last year. This prolific output underscores a consistent creative drive for both musicians, making their union on Almost Waking feel like a natural extension of their individual explorations.

Unheard of Hope: A Label Focused on Experimentation

The album will be released through Unheard of Hope, a record label known for its commitment to experimental and avant-garde music. Founded by Tin Angel Records, Unheard of Hope provides a platform for artists pushing the boundaries of genre and form. The label’s catalog includes a diverse range of artists, reflecting a dedication to supporting innovative musical voices. You can explore more about Unheard of Hope and its roster on their website.

Recording and Production Details

Almost Waking was recorded across two locations: Tinho Studios in Mexico City and a living room studio in San Francisco. Santiago Parra handled the mixing, while James Plotkin, known for his work in experimental electronic music, mastered the album. The Bandcamp page for the album details the release, offering a pre-order option that includes immediate access to the title track and “El inicio es cuestión de suerte.” The digital album is priced at €9 EUR.

Beyond the Album: What’s on the Horizon

As of now, specific tour dates or further promotional plans for Almost Waking haven’t been announced. However, given both artists’ active performance schedules, it’s reasonable to anticipate potential live performances in support of the album following its release. Fratti maintains a busy touring schedule with Titanic, while Orcutt frequently performs solo and with various ensembles. Fans can stay updated on their individual schedules and any potential collaborative performances through their respective websites and social media channels.

The collaborative spirit behind Almost Waking, coupled with the distinct musical identities of Fratti and Orcutt, suggests an album that will reward repeated listening. The remote creation process, born from a simple online connection, speaks to the evolving ways artists are finding new avenues for creative expression. The May 22 release date is now firmly in view, promising a compelling addition to both artists’ discographies and the broader landscape of experimental music.

You can listen to the first two tracks from Almost Waking on Boomkat.