Lucy Kruger launches first album 'Cut Those Strings'
“Lucy Kruger is as accomplished a singer/songwriter as you're likely to hear at her tender age. She delivers the feelings encapsulated in her songs with an intense honesty that lends a vital and stripped down charm to music that is refreshingly void of pretence. What you hear (or see) is what you get. And boy, do you get an earful. It's a music based on a wistful blues and a worried alt pop that relates to a broad set of listeners. At no point does it become overbearing, yet at no point does it become too (thin). It is a subtle and sincere assault - and a savagely smooth sonic experience all rolled into one. There are obvious nods to influences, but none that mimic directly. If anything, she had found in her cute and coy - yet austere and audacious - delivery, a voice to call her own. A voice of exception. And a sort of breathless bravado.” - Malcolm McArb, Peer Music
There are few things as inspiring as pure, unfettered talent in a hard-working, humble artist. Lucy Kruger is one of the few artists on the SA music scene that possesses all of these attributes and it shows in her work. Lucy recently launched her debut album ‘Cut Those Strings’ (produced by Schalk Joubert and engineered by Dave Langemann) which features a host of innovative artists including Inge Beckmann, Schalk Joubert, Kevin Gibson, Melissa Van Der Spuy and Albert Frost, yet promises to remain true to the sound her growing fan-base has come to know and love.
After a very successful Cape Town launch Lucy will be introducing her debut album at Tanz Café in Johannesburg on Thursday the 8th of November. Lucy has been writing and performing her own material for six years and has in the past had the pleasure to open for international acts such as Linton Kwezi Johnson (LKJ) and Shawn Phillips. Further well-deserved accolades include achieving third place in the 2012 Barleycorn songwriting competition, as well as ranking among the top 12 entries for this year's Bushmill Band Search.
Lucy has also been included in the line-up for the Rolling Stones weekend (14-15 September 2012), showcasing SA's most promising young artists, and recently numbered among the emerging artists chosen for the Big Issue 'Young blood, fresh talent' survey. Lucy recently played at theGrahamstown National Arts Festival, White Mountain Festival, Rocking the Daisies (with The Very Wicked) and has been chosen to play at Rock the River SA 2012 as well as Up the Creek 2013.
Originally from Johannesburg, Lucy (now 23) recently arrived in Cape Town after completing her undergraduate degree in Music and her Honours in Drama at Rhodes University in Grahamstown. This inspiring young artist is set to take the notoriously hardnosed South African music scene by storm with her fresh take on indie/alternative rock - a sound which is rooted in a rich tapestry of skilful, versatile vocals bolstered by soulful melodies.
The first single off the album “Four White Walls” is currently play-listed on MFM, RSG, UCT Radio, PUK FM, Kovsie FM and Zone Radio to name a few. Says Lucy of how she came to make music: “I started playing guitar because I wanted to write music. One of the first songs I learnt on the guitar was Joni Mitchell’s ‘A Case of You’. After hearing that song and feeling what it was to play it, I was completely hooked. After setting my heart on music I was constantly reminded (and still am) about how difficult the music industry is. Difficult perhaps, but hopefully not impossible. I want and love it enough to give it (and myself) a fighting chance. I am slowly starting to discover the rules of an industry that ‘has no rules’. It is certainly keeping me on my toes and that is an exciting place to be.”
It is this strong work ethic and drive to succeed that underscores all of Lucy’s endeavours and it set to launch her inimitable sound on the SA music scene. Quotes from the media:
“The nice thing about Lucy is that she can go Crissie Hynde OR Janis Joplin in her approach to interpretation and probably a million other ways as well.” - Malcolm McArb, Peer Music
“The newcomer’s sound can be described as indie folk with a dollop of rock but the task of genre-allocating seems trivial, especially on Cut Those Strings, where the spotlight shines directly on Kruger’s smooth, velvety voice and honest, intensely personal lyrics.” - Perdeby Newspaper
“I now understand why her voice made some of the biggest names in the South African music scene sit-up and notice. It's certain that her music is ageless and that her eleven-track, debut album, Cut Those Strings, will play for years to come.” - Dirty Pink City
Where to buy 'Cut Those Strings': Online shipping: http://www.independentmusic.co.za/artists/lucy-kruger
Digitally: http://lucykruger.bandcamp.com/
The album is also available at Mabu Vinyl on Kloof; The African Music Store on Long Street and Classix on Cd in Stellenbosch. Social media links:
Website: http://lucykruger.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/lucy_kruger
Soundcloud: http://soundcloud.com/lucykruger
Media contact: For more information, high res images and/or interview requests with Lucy Kruger please contact Ice Carstens at icecarstens@gmail.com
De La Crème Set to Become South Africa’s Sweethearts!
It’s the event that has the whole country talking – three of our most talented female singers have poured their formidable talents into an exciting joint project for Universal Music. The brilliant Corlea and Zita (both formerly with popular “Die Lieflinge”), joined forces with the equally talented Marzanne de Beer to form the all-girl trio, De La Crème. And these sirens are set to enthral audiences across the country with their staggering vocal and musical talents.
These three gorgeous ladies decided to bring out an album that showcases their talents at their best. They sing popular hits from the eighties on their debut-album De La Crème. Some of the numbers are sure to burn up the dance floor, while others will have listeners feeling more than a hint of nostalgia. One thing is certain – with the collective talent assembled on this album – fans should prepare themselves for an incredible musical experience.
Corlea became a national treasure over the past few years – initially as the female half of the popular group “Die Lieflinge (The Sweethearts)” and then as a successful solo-artist. Zita, the lovely young musician and singer followed Corlea as the female member of “Die Lieflinge”, and recently released her first solo-album through Universal Music. The beautiful and talented Marzanne de Beer is quickly becoming a familiar face on stages across the country and she is also a talented guitarist.
Corlea, Zita and Marzanne are very excited about this project. “ It was great working with Zita and Marzanne – we were chatting away like old friends from the get-go,” Corlea says. “The three of us are known for different genres, so working together on something that was just a lot of fun was incredible.” Zita enjoyed the experience just as much. “This experience is another milestone in my journey as an artist. I love learning from other artists – and who better than Corlea and Marzahn?” she explains. “It was an honour to work with two top voices in the South African market. With this collection of 80’s-hits, I also had the chance to make the songs my own and do justice to them. It was wonderful working with Zita and Corlea – not only because of their musical talent, but also because we became fast friends!” Marzanne adds.
De La Crème is set to bring a fresh, new sound to South African audiences – with their pure voices, talent and beauty listeners can prepare themselves to be astounded by this gifted trio. The album is scheduled to appear on shelves across the country in the next few weeks.
Issued by:
The PR Collective
Werner Botes Tel:
Cell: | Email: werner.botes@vodamail.co.za
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