Real World Records

Explore The Real World: A Series of New Compilations

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 08:57:43 -0400

Over the past 24 years, Real World Records have widened horizons and expanded record collections with unerring artistry and eclecticism, releasing extraordinary music from all corners of the globe.

Explore our catalogue and discover hidden gems with these themed digital compilations. Perfect introductions if you’re new to Real World and ideal if you want to delve deeper into our musical vaults.

We kick off with Real World: Africa Grooves 1 on 18th June.

Sample 12 glorious grooves from this great continent of music. From Rossy’s Madagascan rapping to Juldeh Camara, the Fulani Coochie Man of Gambia; from the legendary soaring vocals of Papa Wemba to psychedelic trance of Speed Caravan. The diversity and richness will leave you breathless.

Buy ‘Africa Grooves 1’ Now

A new compilation will be released every two weeks. Look out for Real World: Film & TV 1, Real World: Indian Classical and Real World: Remixed coming this summer.

Joseph Arthur - The Ballad of Boogie Christ Acts 1 & 2

Tue, 11 Jun 2013 09:07:00 -0400

We are delighted that Joseph Arthur will be returning to Real World Records to release his new album The Ballad of Boogie Christ Acts 1 & 2.

The double album, Acts 1 & 2, will be released on CD and digital on 9th September. If you can’t wait until then, Act 1 is available digitally now.

Pre order Acts 1 & 2 below:

iTunes / Real World

The Gloaming's Debut Album

Fri, 07 Jun 2013 03:03:00 -0400

We are delighted to announce the release of The Gloaming’s debut album on Real World (Autumn 2013)

The group of extraordinary virtuoso musicians carve new paths, connecting the rich Irish folk tradition and the New York contemporary music scene. From haunting sean-nós songs to raucous folk explosions, they make music that is both ancient and utterly new. Featuring New York pianist Thomas Bartlett (aka Doveman), Chicago guitarist Dennis Cahill, fiddle master Martin Hayes, hardanger innovator Caoimhin Ó Raghallaigh and Irish singer Iarla Ó Lionaird – well known for his contribution to the legendary Afro Celt Sound System.

In their much-anticipated UK premier The Gloaming will perform at Union Chapel, London N1, Wed 19 June, 19:30. Followed by Premiers in Holland at The BimHuis, Amsterdam on Thurs 20 June and Paris for the Cite De La Musique Festival at Centre Culturel Irlandais Fri 21 June

“Moves the music of Ireland in captivating new directions.” The New Yorker Magazine

More information about The Gloaming

A Samuel Yirga short film for Channel 4's Random Acts

Wed, 29 May 2013 07:44:00 -0400

On a recent trip to Ethiopia, Mango Films had the chance to film a few Random Acts for Channel 4. Producer Christopher Pencakowski and director Henrique Goldman are both great fans of Samuel Yirga’s music and they where delighted to be able to collaborate with him on this episode.

The idea was simple. Get a piano in the middle of the busiest street in Addis Ababa and invite Samuel to play a spontaneous performance for the city.

On the first attempt the team faced a city-wide power cut and by the time a new location was found near a generator the beautiful evening light had faded.

Two days later they were ready to try again. Of all places the local bank agreed to hook up some power for the piano and speakers - such is the way thing go in swinging Addis. Finally, just after 3pm, with kids let out from school and the afternoon sun shining bright, Samuel began to play.

“This never happens in Addis” says Samuel, who has done similar spontaneous performances in London and elsewhere but never in his native Addis. “This is much different from an audience in an auditorium or club and I think it’s a bit scary, but when I get into the music I don’t think it will be”.

The crowd that grew around Samuel’s piano where totally mesmerized and delighted by his playing. People leaned out of bus windows and street vendors took time out of their day to take in the moment. It was a wonderful treat.

Samuel performed Ambassel In Box Revisited. The short film will air next Tues night/Weds morning at 00:05 (BST) on Channel 4.

Find out more about Samuel Yirga

Goto the Channel 4: Random Act website

Pina - The Work Room Sessions - Out Now

Mon, 27 May 2013 16:50:13 -0400

Rock singer/songwriter Pina was described on her debut album release as ‘musical magic’ by Billboard. On this previously-unreleased collection four of her classic songs are given space, openness and sensitivity in an acoustic performance in Real World’s Work Room studio. Her spellbinding husky vocals and smart alt-folk-country style are vividly showcased.

Discover more about ‘The Work Room Sessions’

Buy from the Real World Shop

Portico Quartet Live in the Boiler Room

Thu, 16 May 2013 07:12:00 -0400

Portico Quartet recently played a live set as part of Boiler Room’s Red Stripe Make Session 008.

Watch a series of clips from the night, starting off with a performance of ‘Steepless’ featuring the magnificent Swedish songstress Cornelia.

Buy the new album ‘Live/Remix’ now

Discover more about Cornelia

Special Offer on Dub Colossus’s award-winning album, ‘Dub Me Tender’

Tue, 14 May 2013 11:30:46 -0400

Dub Colossus’s recent album Dub Me Tender was the worthy winner of the Songlines Music Award for Cross-Cultural Collaboration. To celebrate, we are giving away three bonus tracks with every new purchase of the album from the newly launched Real World Store.

As a big thank you to those who have already supported Dub Colossus and bought Dub Me Tender from our Store, these bonus tracks will automatically appear in your Real World digital library.

Bonus tracks must be downloaded by close of offer on 13th June

“Has the woozy, vertiginous vibe of an authentic Jamaican dub mix of the mid 70s, but also the crisp definition one expects today…” Songlines

Joseph Arthur new release on Real World

Thu, 09 May 2013 04:47:00 -0400

Joseph Arthur returns to Real World Records to release ’The Ballad of Boogie Christ’ - a new high point in his critically acclaimed, Grammy-nominated career that has spanned nine full-length albums and 11 EPs. Release dates (for the world outside of America/Canada) to be announced shortly for CD, digital and vinyl.

“‘The Ballad of Boogie Christ’ is unlike anything I’ve ever done before. It’s a big production featuring horns and brass and living legends like Garth Hudson, Ben Harper, Jim Keltner, Joan Wasser and many others….It’s a concept album with a story arc about a man falling apart and coming back together in insanity and enlightenment. It’s a psychedelic soul record about redemption and what happens when you find it and lose it.

It all came from words and poems like seeds that bloomed into songs which themselves fathered some of the richest music I’ve made in 17 years of putting together records. I can’t wait for you to hear it. This is the one I’ve been waiting for years to put out.” Joseph Arthur

Discover more about Joseph Arthur

Portico Quartet's Live/Remix Released In US

Wed, 08 May 2013 04:51:00 -0400

Portico Quartet’s new double album Live/Remix is released in the US on the on 7th May.

Live goes right the heart of Portico Quartet’s inimitable electro-acoustic-ambient music, delivered with that extra drive and energy honed over years of performance. Recorded live on tour in 2012.

Remix features mixes by some of the band’s favourite producers/djs: Will Ward, SBTRKT, Luke Abbott, Scratcha DVA, LV, Capac, Konx-om-Pax and Luca Lozano.

“They’ve developed a textural palette and in the process taken their emotional clout to another level.” The Guardian

Listen to ‘City Of Glass’ taken from the Live disc…

Buy it now: Amazon / Real World / iTunes

John Metcalfe's New Album Released on Society of Sound

Mon, 29 Apr 2013 12:46:19 -0400

Peter Gabriel’s orchestral arranger for Scratch My Back and New Blood has now released his own latest work via B&W’s Society of Sound, where members can download very high, studio quality digital audio. John Metcalfe’s musical experience ranges from his classical work as viola player and leader of the Duke Quartet, to being part of Durutti Column, as well as orchestral arranger for artists such as Simple Minds, Bat For Lashes, Blur - as well as Peter. The new release ‘The Appearance of Colour’ features musical collaborations with pianist Tom Cawley, The Carducci Quartet and renown cellist Matthew Barley. It is a beautiful new work where intimate modern chamber music touches elements of electronics.

View this release on the Society of Sound

John Metcalfe has curated the Monomedia concert series at Kings Place in London. He and his band, with special guests, are performing as part of the concert series on Saturday 11 May.

Book tickets now

Dub Colossus - Winner of a Songlines Music Award 2013

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 10:38:00 -0400

We are delighted to announce that Dub Colossus have won in the Cross-cultural Collaboration category in this year’s Songlines Music Awards.

From over 600 albums to a shortlist of 16, Dub Me Tender Vol 1 & 2 is a very well-deserved win. Congratulations to Nick Page (producer/multi-instrumentalist), Tsedenia Gebremarkos and Sintayehu ‘Mimi’ Zenebe (vocals), Samuel Yirga (piano), Feleke Hailu (saxophone) and Teremage Woretaw (mesenqo/vocals).

More about Dub Colossus

New Albums Out In America This Week

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 05:36:00 -0400

Syriana ‘The Road To Damascus’ (Available for the first time in the US)

“Atmospheric and menacing” Uncut (UK)

Imagine ancient Middle Eastern culture blending with surf guitars, spy novels and Cold War iconography, with an array of diverse instruments. The Road To Damascus is produced by Nick “Dubulah” Page (Dub Colossus, TransGlobal Underground) and features Syrian qanun virtuoso Abdullah Chhadeh & accordionist Mazin Abu Sayf; Egyptian percussionist Sherif Ibrahim; Palestinian singer/oud player Nizar Al-Issa, and Irish double-bassist Bernard O’Neill. Time was spent in Damascus to record strings and the stunning soprano, Lubana Al Quntur.

Buy The Road To Damascus Now

Samuel Yirga ‘Hagere’ (4 track digital EP)

Ethiopia’s most promising young pianist, described by the LA Times as sitting “… somewhere in that fertile ground where jazz mingles with R&B and funk to create soulful beauty. … perfect for those interested in hearing an eloquent young voice express new ideas on the piano.”

Buy Hagere Now

Two more albums added to the Real World Gold Series…

Sheila Chandra ‘Weaving My Ancestors’ Voices’

“…a breathtaking tapestry of uncommon beauty.” Chicago Tribune

With this 1992 classic, the great singer explored the music of her spiritual ancestors, drawing upon South Indian, Celtic, Spanish and Muslim influences. Musical backing is minimal, allowing the vocals to rise and fall, soar and dip.

Buy Weaving My Ancestors now

Adrian Sherwood ‘Never Trust A Hippy’

“It’s my own version of a kind of world music-sci-fi-dub-dancehall record.” Adrian Sherwood

Sherwood’s solo debut, featuring production maestros Sly & Robbie, young Jamaican dancehall musicians Bubblers, Jazzwad and Lenky, Indian singer Hari Haran, On-U artists Ghetto Priest and Mark Stewart, and legendary guitarist Skip “Little Axe” McDonald.

Buy Never Trust A Hippy Now

Portico Quartet launch Live/Remix album at KoKo London

Thu, 18 Apr 2013 08:03:00 -0400

The futurist soundscapes of the Portico Quartet’s electro-acoustic world filled London’s Koko last night. They were launching their new double album Live/Remix to a packed audience. In a live context the beautiful cinematic sounds are delivered with a driving, powerful punch - it wasn’t just a gig but an enveloping immersive event.

JuJu 'Explosive' , On The Road with Robert Plant

Wed, 17 Apr 2013 07:20:00 -0400

Justin Adams and Juldeh Camara, known collectively as JuJu, together with their explosive rhythm section of Billy Fuller and Dave Smith have just returned from a tour of Singapore , Australia and New Zealand as part of Robert Plant’s new Sensational Space Shifters band. Wowing audiences of up to 20,000 with their futuristic take on Afro-Trance blues, the band are currently unveiling dates for a U.S. tour with Plant in June and July. Juldeh’s spotlight moments have become highlights of the show, and Robert Plant himself has been in unbelievable form, his voice steering the band to new psychedelic heights.

The press reaction has been outstanding:

The New Zealand Herald on April 12th said: ’Plant and his guitar-powered band restructured Led Zep songs with unpredictable dynamics and arrangements, throwing in everything from swirling synthesizers to the traditional instruments played by Gambian musician Juldeh Camara, who helped drag many of those blues-derived riffs back to the sub-Sahara. ‘

This was the response from Canberra Times on March 30th: ‘What’s going on is further proof that Plant is far more imaginative, playful and adventurous than any cliche of a clumping old rocker, a man who’s absorbed all the music he’s loved and played and sought out the musicians to explore that. For a start he has a band capable of power when needed but the flexibility and talent to glide from African rhythms to Arabic shapes to Moog-enhanced electronica and down into the blues via American roots. Bassplayer Billy Fuller, drummer Dave Smith, keyboardist and sound manipulator John Baggott and lead guitarist Skin Tyson offer all that and more, superbly. Then there’s the extra colourings added by guitarist/producer Justin Adams, whose knowledge of African music is immeasurable, and Gambian Juldeh Camara, mostly on the bowed, two-stringed riti and occasionally on keening vocals.’

Real World Remembers Phil Ramone

Tue, 02 Apr 2013 07:04:00 -0400

It was with great sadness that Real World Records learned of the death of Phil Ramone; and with great happiness the memories of his trip to Real World Studios in the summer of 1991.

We were delighted when the pioneering producer, famous for his work with artists such as Bob Dylan, Tony Bennett, Paul Simon and Ray Charles (to name but a few), took up our invitation to work with traditional Colombian artist Totó la Momposina.

Phil arrived at the 1991 Real World Recording Week and was plunged into a world of powerful, driving folk music from the Atlantic region of Colombia lead by the vivacious and charismatic singer Totó. This was not the conventional recording situation Phil would have been used to and yet in a matter of days he had brought his outstanding skills of production to three songs, on what would become the album ‘La Candela Viva’. He understood immediately Totó’s significance as an artist: “Totó, in herself, is so strong spiritually and mentally. She gives you tremendous vibes of affection and love. Then you see a chemistry between the musicians: there is an intimacy that goes on in their eyes. Somehow something happens, seemingly unrehearsed, where a smile comes out of one of them and then the next, and a pattern develops. I suspect there is a great depth in what they’re communicating.”

New albums out in the US this week

Mon, 01 Apr 2013 07:10:00 -0400

Dub Colossus ‘Dub Me Tender Vol 1 & 2’

Kingston-quality reggae rhythms, funky brass, and trance-inducing percussive assaults from the dub-heavy Ethio-UK collective

Dub Colossus combine the golden years of Ethiopique beats and Ethiojazz with the dub reggae styles of the early 70s, of sounds like the Abyssinians and Mighty Diamonds. The dub element on Dub Me Tender has been pumped up — giving these tracks a full Dubulah workover. Includes guests Mykaell Riley (Steel Pulse), Nick Van Gelder (Jamiroquai), Dr Das (Asian Dub Foundation), and Bernard O’Neill (Syriana).

And as part of the Real World Gold series of reissues:

Gifted - Women of the World

A compilation of ethereal beauty, celebrating the feminine and featuring eight great female voices from cultures around the world: Sheila Chandra, Susana Baca, Eleftheria Arvanitaki, Yungchen Lhamo, Estrella Morente, Susheela Raman, Mamani Keita and Shruti Sadolikar.

“These women are all lionesses, but they never roar. The emphasis is on wit, strength and kindness - the inherent gifts of women everywhere.” Rhythm

En Mana Kuoyo - Ayub Ogada

One of Africa’s finest musicians explores the traditional culture of his Luo people (President Obama’s Kenyan heritage), with his distinctive, soothing voice framed by delicate kora.

“A haunting, spiritual quality that is reflective, intimate, introspective and demonstrates an extraordinary sensitivity to dynamics.” fRoots

Discover more albums in the Real World Gold series http://realworldrecords.com/gold/

Portico Quartet Live/Remix Out Now

Mon, 25 Mar 2013 04:20:00 -0400

The new Live/Remix double album is out now.

“Impossible to score or define, this is music that simply has to be experienced” clashmusic.com

Live goes right to the heart of Portico Quartet’s inimitable electro-acoustic-ambient music, delivered with that extra drive and energy honed over years of performance. Recorded live on tour in 2012.

Remix features mixes by some of the band’s favourite producers/djs: Will Ward, SBTRKT, Luke Abbott, Scratcha DVA, LV, Capac, Konx-om-Pax and Luca Lozano.

A beautifully produced double vinyl will be coming in April - featuring eight of the live tracks and four remixes from the CD, plus a code to download the complete album.

Buy Now - iTunes / Real World / Amazon

See a list of forthcoming live dates

Three Cane Whale launched on Society of Sound

Mon, 18 Mar 2013 11:58:00 -0400

Alex Vann from Real World favourites Spiro also spends time creating music with the instrumental trio Three Cane Whale. Together with Pete Judge and Paul Bradley they create spell-binding and delicate music - intricate but minimal, cinematic yet intimate. Inspired by natural acoustics and ambiences, each track is recorded in a different place in southern England and Wales - a chapel, a greenwood barn, an allotment shed, the top of a waterfall and even the underside of a Bristol flyover. With a range of entirely acoustic instruments including mandolin, zither, trumpet, guitar and even a bowed psaltery, the world they create is unique and ‘impressively original’ (The Guardian).

You can hear the exquisite universe of Three Cane Whale’s Holts and Hovers album first on Bowers and Wilkins Society of Sound, in advance of the CD release in May.

Download ‘Holts and Hovers’ from the Society of Sound

Portico Quartet announce support for their KoKo show

Thu, 14 Mar 2013 12:55:00 -0400

Portico Quartet will be joined by Anchorsong and Micachu next month for their live show at KoKo in London on April 17th.

Listen to the track Laker Boo, taken from their forthcoming Live/Remix album, recorded live at the Roundhouse last year. Laker Boo is a dark, tense, hypnotic motif with a laid back, dance bass-drum drive.

Buy tickets to see them at KoKo, London

Pre order live/Remix now

Songlines Music Awards 2013

Thu, 14 Mar 2013 09:14:00 -0400

The 2013 Songlines Music Awards nominees are announced today … and we’re delighted to reveal that our outstanding Ethiopian artists have been recognised in two categories.

Samuel Yirga has been nominated as Newcomer, with his debut album Guzo: “On his effortless-sounding solo debut, the young Ethiopian pianist deconstructs the tunes and arrangements of the gold age of Ethiopiques and then reinvents the music with an orginality and power that is smart, intelligent and entirely modern.”

Dub Colossus (the band with whom Samuel plays) are nominated in the Cross Cultural Collaboration category for their album Dub Me Tender Vol 1 & 2. “Woozy but sprightly dub remixes from former Transglobal Underground man Nick Page and his Addis/London collective. …mixing Ethio jazz with Jamaican reggae, the album impressively manages to combine an authentic 70s dub aesthetic with the crisp definition of modern production.”

Nominations are voted for by the public, and the winners are announced in the June issue of the magazine, out April 26th.

Good luck to both Samuel and Dub Colossus!

View all the nominees here