When Jess Robbins discovered she had AS, fear and frustration became her creative fuel. Course’s “Hue Mirror” is the first song she wrote after the long-awaited diagnosis.
“My head was spinning—I was in a haze,” says the leader of the densely atmospheric Chicago-based synth-pop group. “I wasn’t given much explanation about the disease—just that they were ordering a strong drug to suppress my immune system and lower the inflammation. I felt confused and scared, not understanding what was happening.”
AS—or ankylosing spondylitis—is an aggressive autoimmune disease that that leads inflammation of the spine and causes the vertebrae to fuse. For years, Robbins knew something was wrong, especially as the chronic pain became debilitating.
“The song touches on the idea of how medicine for this disease comes at a cost and the unpredictability of not knowing when the next flare-up will hit,” she says. “No matter how much you work out, take medicine or eat healthy, this disease is here forever. It will never go away.”
Course’s third album, Hue Mirror, began taking shape during the period of uncertainty when Robbins was still awaiting final word on her condition. As you might expect, it’s her most sonically expansive, emotionally unfettered set of songs to date.
“I want to raise awareness of this disease, which affects so many but remains relatively unknown to the general population,” she says. “It took me a decade to get a diagnosis, and nobody should have to go through that.”
Earlier this year, Course partnered with the Spondylitis Association of America for a special preview of the self-released Hue Mirror. In anticipation of its official April 25 drop date, we’re proud to premiere its title track.
—Hobart Rowland
