Meshell Ndegeocello
Love – from her new album No More Water: The Gospel of James Baldwin
Meshell Ndegeocello, born Michelle Lynn Johnson on August 29, 1968, is an American singer-songwriter, poet, and bassist. She “happens to be much more than merely a good musician. She’s been playing professionally since the early 1990s and, at 55, is about to release her 14th album, a collection of songs that excites her. The past — the repertoire, the old stuff, the hits — can start to feel like ‘karaoke of myself,’ she said, even if that’s never what it’s been like for us folks in the audience.” (Wesley Morris, here in The New York Times)
UMG Recordings
Hannah Kendall
Verdala
Known for her attentive arrangements and immersive world-building, British composer Hannah Kendall’s music looks beyond the boundaries of composition. Her work bridges gaps between different musical cultures, both honouring and questioning the contemporary tradition while telling new stories through it. Contrasting fine detail with limitless abandon, she has become renowned both as a composer and a storyteller, confronting our collective history with narratively-driven pieces centred on bold mission statements.
Ricordi
The Cucaracha’s Band
Akira
The Cucarach’ss Band hails from Ontiñena, in he Spanish province Huesca, in Aragon, known for the foklore association “Raíces de Ontiñena”. Three of its members decided to give a “baturro” touch to the most popular songs. In September of 2008 they launched their band adventure with a parade through Ontiñena, attracting the attention of their countrymen. After the incorporation of two new members, “The Cucaracha’s Band”, has improved a lot, as their rehearsals and their many performances show.
Babylon Music
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
Wild Gold
The Australian rock band around Nick Cave is releasing a new album on 30 August. Cave hopes the album has the “effect on listeners” that it had on him. He describes it as a “complicated record” but simultaneously “deeply and joyously infectious”. As their records reflect the band’s “emotional state”, Cave shared the impression that they are “happy” this time around. Cage, who lost two sons within seven years seems to have recuperated after this dark period in his life.
PIAS
Johnny Irion
Sleeping Soldiers of Love
This is the first single off of Johnny Irion’s upcoming album, Sleeping Soldiers of Love, out on August 9th. The album was mixed by Patrick Sansone and features an all-star cast of players including Jeff Bridges, Mike Mills of REM, and many others. Johnny Irion has solidified his reputation as one of the most spirited artists in the folk-rock genre. His career is steeped in authentic American punk & roots music, a heritage he embraced wholeheartedly.
Blackwing Music