Album Z
Z concept
Having spent most of my professional life supporting and encouraging the work of others, as cellist, performer, educator, mentor, podcaster, panellist, curator, writer and all-round experimental blonde, the time has come for my OWN music to shine.
And this album is where it really begins for me. As a composer...
Z label
A unique record label, NMC Recordings is a multi award-winning arts charity dedicated to promoting a kaleidoscopic range of KICKING contemporary music from across Britain and Ireland, showcasing an exceptional and ever-expanding catalogue of highest level recordings gathered from over 35 years in the biz, an impressive roster of world class composers under their roof.
The good news is that NMC has already raised a chunk of the album costs through lovely trusts and foundations, with grant applications going out as we speak, steadily working towards our total target figure of 19K (it's risen slightly since I made the video).
It is truly an honour to be invited to make my composer debut recording with this distinguished label, and I'm determined to do 'em proud.
(NMC poster girl!)
Z artists
Drawing together an extraordinary team of internationally-renowned virtuoso artists, Album Z raises the curtain on charisma bomb, dramatic mezzo Lucy Schaufer, who joins forces with legendary piano meister Huw Watkins for my bonkers theatrical song cycle "Musae."
(Lucy Schaufer: Performer. Creative producer. Mentor.)
Rising international star Ben Goldscheider (below) plays the lead in my apocalyptic space drama"Nibiru", wielding amplified horn and a shed-load of electronics (7.1 surround sound I'll have you know); followed by the seismic music explosion that is composer/clarinettist Mark Simpson, who'll be whizzing, shrieking, gasping and muttering clarinetty spells through my deeply haunted electronica number"Atma".
The HEARTBREAKING beauty of tenor Alessandro Fisher's glorious voice pours through my “In the Park” settings of poems exploring London's green spaces, with the marvellous Lana Bode weaving her delicate magic at the keyboard.
And to bring us back to Earth, or rather, Broadway, Nicholas Daniel and Huw Watkins launch my oboe/piano glitter screamer, “Nick My Pearls You Cry” (a title given multiple fascinating punctuation variations in concert programmes), premmied at Wigmore Hall, London last year.
(Nicholas Daniel: Oboist. Conductor)
Z cash
As explained in the video, this album costs 18K to make. Yes I KNOW!!! But actually a SNIP at the price. The costs cover exactly what you’d imagine:
- Venue hire (including Royal Academy of Music and World Heart Beat studios in London.)
- Recording engineers
- Post production editing/mastering
- Piano hire/tuning
- Artist fees (they’re all being gorgeously generous about this, btw)
- NMC production/management costs
- CD printing (or whatever it’s called) and distribution.
- Album design/artwork
The good news is that some of this has already been raised, thanks to the tireless efforts of the NMC fundraising team, including grants from Vaughan Williams Foundation and Help Musicians.. But there's still bit more to go until I can invite you to the album launch party...
(Mark Simpson: Composer. Clarinettist. Conductor.)
Z distribution
Yes I KNOW no one uses CDs anymore, but don’t worry! NMC has bad-ass online distribution which guarantees this album will go out on all the main streaming platforms (Spotify etc). And if you’d like the physical object, I’m gonna make sure it looks STUNNING, with some perky programme notes to match.
The digital format (for you electro geeks) will be Atmos, with the possibility of an SACD disc for those of you with the posh listening equipment.
If you’ve read this far, I love you. Really LOVE you. So hang in there. Just a couple more paras to go.
(Lana Bode - piano, Alessandro Fisher - tenor)
Z vision
I’m not going to EVEN re decimated UK public arts funding. You doubtless know the score. However, those of us creative types determined to get our tunes out there regardless are squaring our shoulder pads and seeking support from lovely people like YOU.
Who actually value art, who believe that music and musicians are perhaps more important than ever before, that music, storytelling and theatre can bring comfort and perspective in turbulent times.
That music matters.
(Huw Watkins: Composer. Pianist)
Z future
For the record (if you'll pardon the pun), there's now at least one more album of my music in vitro, with some fantastic performers already lined up. And these Zequels can springboard from this disc...
Z rewards
I’d LOVE to offer you fabulous rewards for your support, I really would. Champagne receptions, intimate bubble bath one-to-ones with the artists, even some funky Album Z merch (and who knows, Z key-rings ’n’ coasters might yet happen later down the line…)
“Platinum Tier” contributors - of 500 quid plus - WILL have their names clearly inscribed on the album booklet. And my heart….
What I CAN offer all contributors is my DEEPEST appreciation, gratitude and love for their generosity, for believing that this album is worth it, that these incredible artists CAN go ahead and make some fantastic music for you. The knowledge that you're keeping the fires of new music burning.
THANK YOU. From the bottom of my heart. Your support means EVERYTHING.
Zoë 💖🙏
Z updates!
The first recording sessions happened this week (2nd week of Jan 2025), at the fantastic World Heart Beat studios in London, where Mark Simpson and Ben Goldscheider absolutely SLAYED my two electronica pieces "Atma" and "Nibiru" (both with processing and a fixed audio track made in surround sound) with some truly spectacular playing, fizzing with virtuosity and life force.
Prof Phil Dawson was at the production helm, and is now revving up to mix and master in Atmos for some extra digital release super-geek points.
Some session photos:
(with Mark Simpson)
(Ben Goldscheider and Mark)
(Phil Dawson, tech wizard producer, on the left.)
(The beautiful live room at World Heart Beat studios)
(A temporary tech glitch..)
Suddenly am super excited. Folks, this album is gonna be goodie. And YOU are a key part of it. Thank you all over again for your support. It means the world.
Love,
Zoë 💖🙏