EP Title: Miss Abyss 2046

Release Date: 3rd June

Black Fantasy records

“Bewitching delivery that pivots uneasily somewhere between Grace Jones and Fever Ray”

God Is In The TV

“A decadent, luxurious critique of self-indulgent contemporary pop” Notion 

“The Knife meets Cocteau Twins. Uncomfortable and shady whilst also being distinctly impressive in its nonconformist nature” The Sound Of Confusion

On June 3rd, Greek-born/London-based Evangelia C aka Lola’s Bad will release her debut EP ‘Miss Abyss 2046’, which introduces a ferocious femininity to the dream pop genre. Like Diamanda Galas before her, Evangelia sets one foot in the future and another in the past, bringing classical theatrics to postmodern forms. Her unique contribution, however, is to draw on the traditions of both the Greek Archipelago and the British Isles, resulting in a Mediterranean-Celtic aesthetic that is as harsh as it is ethereal.

This cavalcade of influences is directed down its pathway of performance-art-video-pop by what Evangelia describes as a ‘hidden sensual surrealist touch’, which underpins her every mode of expression. Opposed to the avant-garde’s tendency towards introversion and self-indulgence, Evangelia engages with her audience so that she may pervert as well as entertain.

‘Corona Wide’ opens the EP dramatically with the essence of a ritualistic chant. Heavy percussive beats, the trademark layered vocals and a haunting backdrop of electronic strings harken back to the Amazons of Greek Mythology. ‘Kissing The Night’ is unconventional, abrasive electro with oriental undertones, while ‘Cyber Censation’ is a glitching cascade of eerie electronica. Providing a cathartic end to the record, ‘Pray’ and ‘Dream Brother’ transfix the listener with a dense/celestial diptych that encapsulates the EP's sound.

Evangelia’s live performances are equally as intriguing as her recordings and serve as both canvas and catalyst for the music to take shape – her experience as a professional dancer, actress and video artist puts her on a whole new level when it comes to the composition and execution of the Lola’s Bad show, which is more like a living installation or live experiment than a typical ‘concert’.

In addition to appearances at the Biennale and the Deathtripping festival (with Lydia Lunch), this graduate of Central St Martin’s Performance Art programme has written, directed and starred in a sold-out theatre adaptation of David Lynch's 'Fire Walk With Me' staged in an illegal Athens nightclub, performed a 90-minute monologue as Andy Warhol at the Cochrane Theatre in London, and played a cannibal feeding raw meat to audience members who had been strapped to a table in the legendary Shunt space. It should come as no surprise that such a dynamic and driven artist now writes and produces the entire Lola's Bad concept and content with just one collaborator, Bat Halliday.

Track Listing

1.Corona Wide

2.Cyber Censation

3.Kissing The Night

4.Pray

5.Dream Brother

For updates on shows please visit www.lolasbad.com / www.facebook.com/lolasbad

This year, for the first time, the Folk Awards will take place in Glasgow during the Celtic Connections festival. It will be broadcast live on BBC Radio 2 and streamed via the BBC Red Button service on Wednesday 30 January 2013, 7.30pm - 10pm.

28 January 2013 sees the release of an annual compilation featuring the nominees for the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards plus bonus disc of the 10 semi-finalists in the BBC Young Folk Awards. This is the most comprehensive collection of the current favourite, rising and, as yet, unsung stars of the folk world. See below for track listing.

CD 1: Bellowhead - Roll The Woodpile Down / Hannah James & Sam Sweeney - The Farmer's Cursed Wife / Anaïs Mitchell - Tailor / Duncan Chisholm - Unknown Air / Kathleen Macinnes - Tha Sneach'd Air Druim Uachdair / Katriona Gilmore & Jamie Roberts - Doctor James / Nic Jones  - Texas Girl's Lament At The Funeral Of Her Father / Emily Portman - Hatchlings / Rura - Mary / Kathryn Tickell - Small Coals 

CD 2: Lau - The Bird That Winds The Spring / Maz O'connor - Caw The Yowes / Ross Ainslie -- Lullaby For Mel / O'hooley & Tidow - Gentleman Jack / Luke Jackson - Last Train / Karine Polwart - King Of Birds / Blair Dunlop - Billy In The Lowground / Kathryn Roberts & Sean Lakeman - The Ballad Of Andy Jacobs / The Unthanks - Black Trade / Sam Lee - Wild Wood Amber / Treacherous Orchestra - Sea Of Okhotsk 

CD 3: Greg Russell & Ciaran Algar - Working On The New Railroad / Thalla - St. Andrew's Flight / Last Tango In Harris / Luke Jackson - More Than Boys / Graham Mackenzie & Ciorstaidh Beaton - Father Eugene's Welcome To Cape North; St Kilda's Wedding / Mae Bradbury - Shiver / Jack Pout - Breaking Of Old Branches / Matt Tighe - Were You At The Rock?;  The College Groves / Rosie Hodgson - Liverpool Lullaby / The Crosstown Trio - My Heart Is Holding Up A Shield / Hugh Sheehan & Jack Mccaugherty - The Night Before

More information / press enquiries

For all enquiries, please contact us. If you feature this story in your publication, blog or site, we'd really appreciate it if you could let us know.

However, as a musician, Chapman became increasingly frustrated with his classical repertoire and had aspirations beyond the classical world. This is where the story of Klassika begins.

At the inspiration of his wife, Richard began trying to compose his own music and quickly formed the basis for his song ‘Freight Train’. Through fusing his impeccable classical technique with folk, blues and electronic elements, Chapman found new ways to express his musical talents. Klassika allowed Chapman to feel like he had been ‘let out of a cage both artistically and emotionally’. His new EP, ‘Sensual Guitar Chill Out’, is the product of Chapman’s fresh approach.

The four-track EP includes his first composition, ‘Freight Train’. This stunning track clearly demonstrates Chapman’s skill on the guitar and his melodic awareness. The freight train samples and electronic percussion also emphasise Chapman’s production talents and ambitions to create a unique new sound. ‘Celtic Warrior’ similarly features a driving electronic beat which accompanies Chapman’s deft guitar work. ‘Sea Shanty’ and ‘Prelude’ both have more of a relaxed feel and are best described as cinematic. Working with esteemed producer Rachel James Ellektra, who has formerly worked on records by Jessie J and David Bowie, certainly shows through on this EP, as the classical and modern production elements seamlessly intertwine. 

With the EP having already gained the blessings of DJ Bryant, the Flash Brothers and Susannah Simons (Project Executive at the BBC 2012 Cultural Olympiad), Klassika is certainly set for a bright future. The unique sound Chapman has crafted, along with his obvious talents, are sure to quickly propel Klassika forward. 

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For More information please contact Poppy Ballard on publicity5@quitegreat.co.uk or Josh Bennett on publicity2@quitegreat.co.uk 01223 844440

New Album Available Now

With the global success of artists such as Mumford & Sons and the seemingly never ending popularity of folk legends such as Fairport Convention and Bob Dylan, the timing couldn’t be much better for the release of this album that not only reminds us of how great the folk genre can be, but also delivers totally up to date feelings of pleasure derived from the sounds of great music.

From the joyful fiddle intro on opening track ‘You Might Be Right’, the beautiful harmonies on ‘Somewhere in the Blue’, the haunting piano and Celtic whistles on title track ‘The Moon’s High Tide’, this is an album that mixes the best of English, Irish and world folk and combines them to produce an album totally of its time.

Ex-Saw Doctor Pearse Doherty and Jimmy Higgins (who also played with The Saw Doctors and Irish band Altan) lend their talents on Bass and Percussion respectively.

From his early days playing with Folk band ‘Firkin The Fox’, Steve Bonham has enjoyed the support of true British folk royalty such as Fairport’s Dave Pegg (who released the Firkin The Fox album ‘Behind Bars’ on his Woodworms Label).

The Moon’s High Tide fits right in with what is happening today.  Treat yourself to a copy, settle down for the evening and spend some time in the company of some beautiful music.

For interview requests, live sessions, more information, MP3 or CD requests, please contact:
 Ellis on north1@quitegreatmusicpr.co.uk or call the office on 01422 399430.

(Former President Bill Clinton).

"Many things came after," he jokes. "After the Three Tenors came the Three Sopranos, then the Celtic Tenors, then the Three Finnish Basses. But it was great for everybody. I know there were many people who were purist about it, but I don't care because I have given to the purists all my life. I have the right to enjoy it." Placido Domingo

The Celtic Tenors have had world wide success and have become global phenomenon’s touring consistently over the past ten years, which has seen them become Irish superstars all across the globe including United States and Canada where they now spend at least 6 months of the year as well as having huge success in Holland and the Middle East and next year they will tour China.

With a total album sales worldwide of over one million and over two million in ticket sales alone as well as a full international touring schedule, the Celtic Tenors have become the most successful classical crossover artists to emerge from Ireland. They have topped the charts in the USA, Canada, Germany, the UK and Ireland.

Their new album, Feels Like Home, is due for release in Ireland and the UK in September 2011, with the rest of the world to follow in October 2011. The album features 13 fantastic songs, all chosen by The Celtic Tenors and it focuses on The Celtic countries, Ireland, Scotland and England with a mix of contemporary and traditional song choices.

It includes the moving ‘Going Home’, the beautiful balladry of ‘Feels Like Home’ which was originally sung by Edwina Hayes and featured in the smash hit movie ‘My Sister’s Keeper’ to the more upbeat traditional toe tapping anthem of ‘Red Haired Mary’ to the Irish Folk classic ‘She moved through the Fair, they have even recorded the beautiful Welsh lullaby ‘Suo Gan’ in Welsh. The Celtic Tenors have effortlessly combined a selection of songs that take you on an emotionally charged journey with a thoroughly uplifting experience.

While each of The Celtic Tenors have been influenced by the musical traditions from their own individual parts of Ireland, Daryl, James and Matthew show great flexibility in melding their voices to suit the appropriate classical, folk, Irish and pop genres.

The Celtic Tenors will be touring the UK in September and their show is an experience overflowing with vitality and variety from start to finish. Daryl, James and Matthew shine with their unique voices, charm and wit and their personalities shine through alongside their undeniable Celtic charm.

Tour Dates:

September

24 - Cornerstone Arts Centre, Didcot
25 - Theatre Royal Windsor
27 - Queens Theatre Barnstable
29 - The Brindley, Runcorn
30 - The Courtyard, Hereford

October

1 - Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury
2 - Broadway Theatre, Peterborough

For further information please call Louise Harris at Quite Great PR on 01223 410000 or email publicity4@quitegreat.co.uk

Career Fact Sheet

• ·         have appeared on TV across the USA, Canada and Europe
• ·         Signed to EMI Classics for three album deal after impromptu audition in London, 2000
• ·         Top Ten US Billboard and Canadian Charts
• ·         Two Coast to Coast PBS TV Specials in the US 
• ·         Triple Platinum selling artists in Ireland
• ·         Orchestral shows include BBC CO, Concertgebouw, Dallas Symphony Orchestra, Cincinnati Pops,   Vancouver  & Toronto SOs and individually have sung leading roles with top opera companies   and performed in oratorio and concerts across the globe
• ·         Have performed to private audiences for world leaders such as Bill Clinton and Kofi Annan   (personally organised by Bono).