Sheila Chandra companion listening release: Out in the Real World
Out in the Real World, is a digital-only release set for 18th August 2023. A collection of remixes, demo recordings and outlier tracks, many previously unreleased, taken from the era when Sheila Chandra was recording for Real World Records. The compilation is designed to act as a companion listening experience to the recently re-issued trilogy of albums, Weaving My Ancestors’ Voices, The Zen Kiss and ABoneCroneDrone.
Available to hear from today is the Stephen Hague remix of ‘Ever So Lonely/Eyes/Ocean’ which appeared on the compilation album Gifted: Women of the World but is now available for the first time on digital platforms.
A number of other tracks are also previously unreleased, such as the Apophysia remix of ‘Every So Lonely/Eyes/Ocean’ …“one of the few remixes that has ever been sent to me that I enjoyed, as it’s catchy – something the pop addicted teenager in me appreciates”, ‘The Power of Prayer’, a track recorded with Rupert Hine during the Real World Recording Week of 1991, “an ‘off the desk/on the day’ version which became the inspiration for Kafi Noir on The Zen Kiss ” and a demo version of ‘Ocean’, “a layered voices alternative version of one of the songs from the Ever So Lonely/Eyes/Ocean medley on Weaving My Ancestors’ Voices which didn’t fit on a solo voice album.”
Tracklist
Ever So Lonely/Eyes/Ocean (Apophysia Remix) Previously unreleased Song to the Siren Originally released in 2001 on Gifted: Women of the World. Ever So Lonely/Eyes/Ocean (Stephen Hague Remix) Originally released in 2001 on Gifted: Women of the World. Previously unreleased on digital platforms. Angel Tech (by The Grid, feat. Sheila Chandra) Recorded in 1991 at Recording Week at Real World Studios. Originally released in 1994 on A Week or Two in the Real World. The Power of Prayer (off the desk version) A collaboration with Rupert Hine, taken from a cassette source. Recorded in 1991 at Recording Week at Real World Studios. Previously unreleased. Ocean (Demo) Previously unreleased. Lagan Love Originally released in 1999 on the album Moonsung. Blacksmith Originally released in 1999 on the album Moonsung.
On 16th June 2023, Real World Records re-issued Chandra’s three albums for the label, with newly designed artwork, new sleeve notes and coloured vinyl for the LPs.
1992’s Weaving My Ancestors’ Voices cements Sheila Chandra as one of the most accomplished musicians and writers of her generation. On this exquisite album, which celebrates the ultimate instrument – the voice – she explores the territories of her spiritual ancestors by flawlessly intertwining vocal traditions from around the world.
The Zen Kiss which was recorded in 1994, seamlessly interweaves strands of traditional English folk, Iberian and Celtic song, Gregorian chant, and yearning laments. These time-honoured vocal techniques are then wrapped in the most cutting-edge studio techniques – especially on the machine-gun-fire, vocal percussion Speaking in Tongues showstoppers.
ABoneCroneDrone recorded in 1996, Chandra’s most radically experimental solo voice work and the closing chapter of her trilogy of albums for Real World. The six tracks are a window on Chandra’s innermost creative world – an unexpectedly original examination of the usually taken-for-granted but essential element of Indian tradition, the drone itself.
On her Real World debut Sheila Chandra explores the musical territories of her spiritual ancestors, drawing upon South Indian, Celtic, Spanish and Muslim influences. This album concentrates on the purity and emotional intensity of Chandra’s extraordinary voice.
An extraordinary exploration of pure vocal power and sensual expression, The Zen Kiss is a highly personal vision of a woman working on the boundaries of convention.
This album, the third in her trilogy for Real World, gives you the fullest access possible to Sheila Chandra’s imagination — its melodies are within the bones of the drones.
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