"..a "modern" response to their "old" sound. The production, tight as usual. Fetching electronic beats underneath acoustic guitars, ringing-reverberated tones, & sustained keys provide an uplifting experience while maintaining a relaxing atmosphere. The vocals are (as always) in peak shape and the lyrics are just as endearing/personal as one could expect. There are elements of Trip Hop (almost), Classical (somewhat), Dream Pop (maybe), and Folk (I suppose). And although these elements may sound "conflicting" to some, they are not. The sounds within are alluring and confiding.."
Azure Ray
Accommodating Ethereal Prevalence
Azure Ray Bio:
Although they became important figures in the Saddle Creek community of Omaha, NE, Orenda Fink and Maria Taylor made their initial mark in Athens, GA, where they formed Azure Ray in 2001. The two musicians -- both Alabama natives -- combined elements of folk, Americana, and light electronica into their 2001 debut album. The next winter, Azure Ray issued the "November" EP on the Saddle Creek label, sparking a fruitful association with the label and its roster. The sophomore effort "Burn and Shiver" followed in 2002 and exuded a more serene soundscape, as well as slick production work from Crooked Fingers frontman Eric Bachmann. Fink and Taylor also began lending their contributions to other albums, from Moby's "18" to Bright Eyes' "Lifted or The Story Is in the Soil, Keep Your Ear to the Ground". A year later, Azure Ray continued their prolific pace by issuing "Hold on Love". It’s been nearly seven years since celebrated duo Azure Ray released their critically acclaimed album "Hold On Love". It’s been a long wait for music fans, but thankfully that wait is about to come to an end. The highly anticipated full-length from Orenda Fink and Maria Taylor is a sublime future classic titled "Drawing Down the Moon", set for release on Saddle Creek in September. The record was produced by Eric Bachmann at Echo Mountain Studios in Asheville, North Carolina, mixed by Michael Patterson in Los Angeles, CA and features guest appearances by Andy LeMaster and Liz Durrett. With their three prior full lengths and the "November" EP the duo drew fans from around the globe with their transcendent songwriting and stunning vocals, Drawing Down the Moon is an even more impressive and beguiling delight. Their undeniable talents lie in balladry so breathtakingly visceral that it soars straight through the ears into the veins until it pumps firmly into the heart.
Hello, how are you?
We're good. Just finished shooting a video for our song "Don't Leave My Mind" with an amazing group of people. Still recovering from the wrap party.
What are you currently listening to?
Orenda: My husband making techno music
Maria: Jose Gonzalez' version of "Heartbeats"
Where does the name Azure Ray originate from?
Our friend, Brian Causey, thought of it actually. We wanted something that felt like blue light and he suggested Azure Ray.
You guys haven't released a full length since 2003's terrifically (over the top) gorgeous opus "Hold On Love".. What has the band been up to since then & were you guys on hiatus at all?
We were on hiatus from Azure Ray, but were actually quite busy individually. Maria released three solo albums and an EP with Andy Lemaster and I released two solo albums and two collaborative albums: Art In Manila and O+S.
The new album is pretty amazing, it sounds like you've added a few more electronic sounds on it, what prompted you to do this?
Thank you! That would be the work of our mad genius producer, Eric Bachmann. I guess he just found that the new songs called for it...
What is the story behind the album title "Drawing Down The Moon"?
It was originally going to be the title of one of the songs, but at the last minute we switched it to the title of the record. The phrase just resonated with us at the time. Maybe it was the unending Topanga nights where we did pre-production.
Which album do you feel is more personal; "Drawing Down The Moon" or "Hold On Love"?
They are both equally personal. Pretty much everything we write is autobiographical.
If you could collaborate with any musician (living or dead) of your choice whom would it be with and why?
Orenda: Nina Simone, John Lennon or Dr. John
Maria: Carole King .....she is why I wanted to write songs or Dave Freidman.......cause I'm in love with his production.
You can only keep/listen to ONE album for the rest of your life ..which album would it be?
Orenda: any Nina Simone record
Maria: "Drawing Down The Moon" ;) No...really...umm... "Graceland" maybe?
Are you living your dream?
Yes!!
Thanx Cara, Orenda, & Maria!
Azure Ray will be releasing "Drawing Down The Moon" on September 14th via Saddle Creek, make sure to check that out. They will also be touring North America shortly after, make sure to check them out live if you can...
Azure Ray
Accommodating Ethereal Prevalence
Azure Ray Bio:
Although they became important figures in the Saddle Creek community of Omaha, NE, Orenda Fink and Maria Taylor made their initial mark in Athens, GA, where they formed Azure Ray in 2001. The two musicians -- both Alabama natives -- combined elements of folk, Americana, and light electronica into their 2001 debut album. The next winter, Azure Ray issued the "November" EP on the Saddle Creek label, sparking a fruitful association with the label and its roster. The sophomore effort "Burn and Shiver" followed in 2002 and exuded a more serene soundscape, as well as slick production work from Crooked Fingers frontman Eric Bachmann. Fink and Taylor also began lending their contributions to other albums, from Moby's "18" to Bright Eyes' "Lifted or The Story Is in the Soil, Keep Your Ear to the Ground". A year later, Azure Ray continued their prolific pace by issuing "Hold on Love". It’s been nearly seven years since celebrated duo Azure Ray released their critically acclaimed album "Hold On Love". It’s been a long wait for music fans, but thankfully that wait is about to come to an end. The highly anticipated full-length from Orenda Fink and Maria Taylor is a sublime future classic titled "Drawing Down the Moon", set for release on Saddle Creek in September. The record was produced by Eric Bachmann at Echo Mountain Studios in Asheville, North Carolina, mixed by Michael Patterson in Los Angeles, CA and features guest appearances by Andy LeMaster and Liz Durrett. With their three prior full lengths and the "November" EP the duo drew fans from around the globe with their transcendent songwriting and stunning vocals, Drawing Down the Moon is an even more impressive and beguiling delight. Their undeniable talents lie in balladry so breathtakingly visceral that it soars straight through the ears into the veins until it pumps firmly into the heart.
Hello, how are you?
We're good. Just finished shooting a video for our song "Don't Leave My Mind" with an amazing group of people. Still recovering from the wrap party.
What are you currently listening to?
Orenda: My husband making techno music
Maria: Jose Gonzalez' version of "Heartbeats"
Where does the name Azure Ray originate from?
Our friend, Brian Causey, thought of it actually. We wanted something that felt like blue light and he suggested Azure Ray.
You guys haven't released a full length since 2003's terrifically (over the top) gorgeous opus "Hold On Love".. What has the band been up to since then & were you guys on hiatus at all?
We were on hiatus from Azure Ray, but were actually quite busy individually. Maria released three solo albums and an EP with Andy Lemaster and I released two solo albums and two collaborative albums: Art In Manila and O+S.
The new album is pretty amazing, it sounds like you've added a few more electronic sounds on it, what prompted you to do this?
Thank you! That would be the work of our mad genius producer, Eric Bachmann. I guess he just found that the new songs called for it...
What is the story behind the album title "Drawing Down The Moon"?
It was originally going to be the title of one of the songs, but at the last minute we switched it to the title of the record. The phrase just resonated with us at the time. Maybe it was the unending Topanga nights where we did pre-production.
Which album do you feel is more personal; "Drawing Down The Moon" or "Hold On Love"?
They are both equally personal. Pretty much everything we write is autobiographical.
If you could collaborate with any musician (living or dead) of your choice whom would it be with and why?
Orenda: Nina Simone, John Lennon or Dr. John
Maria: Carole King .....she is why I wanted to write songs or Dave Freidman.......cause I'm in love with his production.
You can only keep/listen to ONE album for the rest of your life ..which album would it be?
Orenda: any Nina Simone record
Maria: "Drawing Down The Moon" ;) No...really...umm... "Graceland" maybe?
Are you living your dream?
Yes!!
Thanx Cara, Orenda, & Maria!
Azure Ray will be releasing "Drawing Down The Moon" on September 14th via Saddle Creek, make sure to check that out. They will also be touring North America shortly after, make sure to check them out live if you can...
No comments:
Post a Comment