25 years after her chart-topping breakout album Oyster, Heather Nova is back with a tour de force of an album that threatens to knock Oyster off the block as her fans’ all time favourite. She’s managed to make another raw, beautiful, passionate piece of rock music, that no one can deny shows she is unexpectedly now at her peak. Who says rock n roll is only for the young? 

 

There have been 8 studio albums in-between; all of them critically acclaimed, and many of them charting. She has toured consistently in those intervening years, maintaining a loyal fanbase; has played every major European festival, as well as intimate acoustic gigs in churches and opera houses, has had her music featured in major TV shows and Hollywood films, released a volume of her poetry and drawings, and has even been known to show up and play free at hospitals in between tour dates. 

 

Pearl, an album of 11 outstanding songs, recorded in Youth’s studio in the mountains of Spain, will be released in May 2019

 

“I didn’t plan to release an album on the 25th anniversary of Oyster. It just worked out that way. When I was ready to record a new album, I thought it would be cool to have Youth produce one or two of the songs, to revisit the vibe and sound we created back then. (Youth produced “Oyster”) I sent him my demos so that he could choose one or two. The message I got back was “Really beautiful .... I’d love to do them all ...can see the connection to Oyster, but the songs are better! Much stronger ..deeper insights ....still vulnerable but from a position of strength, Woah - I’m in!”. We discussed going back to a similar sound, while still keeping the record  contemporary too. I think that, just naturally, the combination of each of our innate sensibilities once again came together to create that unique sound we got on Oyster. I couldn’t be happier with the outcome. 

 

“My songs have always reflected my inner world. In the period I wrote this album, I got divorced after a 20 year marriage, spent a few years on my own, during which I felt a renewed sense of peace, independence, and a strong sense of my connection to nature. (The song “Re-wild me” came out of that) and then, to my complete surprise, fell madly in love. 

 

There are many love songs on the record, full of passion and a renewed lust for life, in particular the rocking “All the Rivers” and the exquisite, cello-infused “After all this Time” stand out. There are a couple of songs about divorce; The killer lead track “The Wounds We Bled” is more philosophical than bitter; it’s raw without being angsty, and sounds like something off Fleetwood Mac’s “Rumours” . “Some Things Just Come Undone” , with its punchy rock guitars, about having to tell her son that his parents are separating, is particularly heartbreaking, and will speak to anyone who has been in that excruciating position. Then there is the sublime “Over the fields”: A true full circle from “Island” on Oyster: “Last year the man I wrote “Island” about (who had abused me) was dying. When I heard that, I reached out to him for the first time in almost 30 years, to say that I forgave him. He wrote me an incredible letter of regret and apology for all the pain and suffering he had caused me. I felt there was a kind of closure. After he died, I wrote “Over the fields”; It’s a song of forgiveness and compassion for a troubled soul that never managed to find its way clear in this life; A hope for a second chance the next time round.” 

 

“A pearl is hopefully what forms inside an Oyster after all the years, the accumulation of experience, the saltwater, the sand.” 

 

Heather’s new album is indeed a Pearl. Don’t miss it! 

Arnulf Lindner

In early 2009 Arnulf Lindner received a call from Heather's drummer and mutual friend, Geoff Dugmore. Geoff told him that Heather was looking for a cellist and multi-instrumentalist for an acoustic duo tour in the autumn and that he suggested Arnulf.  This was the beginning of a collaboration and friendship that is lasting to the present day. There's a wonderful to witness chemistry and musical connection between the two performers. Arnulf is able to support and understand Heather's songs and add a variety of musical texture on changing instruments that do justice to Heather's eclectic and artful song gems. His experience stems from a long list of musical partnerships in the UK, US and Europe, as multi-instrumentalist, film composer and arranger.

Arnulf is touring with Heather on her current album campaign 2015/16 which takes them both to the USA in April. 

For more information on Arnulf Lindner please visit www.arnulflindner.com

 

Che Albrighton

Che Albrighton joined them for all the European dates in 2015/16 as a percussionist and drummer. His musical and emotive drumming style is a perfect addition to the acoustic shows, turning this intimate setup once again into a band sound with an unusual range of dynamics. Che has made a name for himself as a congenial musical partner, drumming and producing for various artists and his own band 'Clock Opera', in the UK music scene and beyond.