Latest news with #AWALRecordings
The Sun
13-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Vinyl edition of Laufey's Night At The Symphoney: Hollywood Bowl hits audio perfection
RELEASED on April 13 as a Record Store Day exclusive, the vinyl edition of A Night At The Symphony: Hollywood Bowl is quite simply astounding. Perfectly mastered, it brings to life the grand settings of the LA Philharmonic in splendid technicolour. Those who are already fans of Laufey will know precisely what they are getting with the jazz chanteuse bringing back a sound seemingly lost to time. This is jazz from the turn of the previous century, no less. Sang in some smoky speakeasy dressed in strings of pearls, these are songs designed to transport the listener into another time and space. Although not advertised as an audiophile recording, the tell tale sign is in the fact that this album is presented on double 45rpm vinyl, which is usually a guarantee of deep, wider sound staging. And it deliver this in spades allowing listeners to take in the epic sound of the LA Philharmonic. But never once does the orchestra sound overwhelming, allowing the star of the show to shine with her delicate, soaring vocals. This is best exemplified from her Grammy-winning tune Bewitched, which sound simply exquisite backed by a full string section. Another stand out moment is I Wish You Love where the Finnish songstress is just in impeccable form taking the song to audio nirvana. The sound that emanates from the speakers when the orchestra kicks in quite simply breathtaking. The best thing about this special vinyl edition is that it captures the vibe of a truly special concert, with Laufey admitting that this was a bucket list moment. The concertgoers enthusiastic response is there mainly at the end of the songs and is never intrusive, giving the artiste the space and stage to just belt it out. The Berklee College of Music graduate has achieved incredible success with a sound that is a complete throwback. It works because it is authentic and the singer's passion and joy for the art form is obvious. This live album captures that perfectly. Those who missed Laufey's concert in Kuala Lumpur last year would do well to grab a copy is as this as close to the real thing one can get. These are retailing upwards of RM250 and prices are set to rise given that this is a limited Record Store Day special. A worthy investment for those who want an audiophile experience of Laufey. A Night at the Symphony: Hollywood Bowl is released via AWAL Recordings.
Express Tribune
29-01-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Djo announces new album 'THE CRUX' and world tour, 'Back On You'
Djo, the musical alias of Stranger Things star Joe Keery, is set to release his highly anticipated album THE CRUX on April 4, 2025, through AWAL Recordings. Following the success of his 2022 album DECIDE and its viral hit End of Beginning, Keery's latest project explores themes of resilience and community with a fresh sonic direction inspired by late '60s and '70s pop music. In tandem with the album announcement, Djo has released the lead single Basic Being Basic, an upbeat track featuring Oberheim OB-X8 synths and his signature falsetto. Keery describes the song as a critique of fleeting cultural trends. The single debuted on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon on January 28, 2025, where Keery also appeared as a guest. Djo's Back On You world tour kicks off on April 4, 2025, with a two-night stint at Portland's Revolution Hall. The tour spans North America, the UK, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand, with stops at major festivals like Coachella and Hurricane Festival. Indie rock band Post Animal, Keery's former group, will support select dates. Tickets go on sale January 31, 2025, at 9 AM local time, with pre-sale options available from January 28. $1 from every North American ticket sold will benefit the PLUS1 LA Fires Fund, supporting wildfire recovery efforts. Keery co-produced THE CRUX with longtime collaborator Adam Thein, recording at Electric Lady Studios. The album's introspective lyrics, layered instrumentation, and nostalgic yet modern production solidify Djo's evolution from actor to acclaimed musician.
