The Nine Beats Collective Prepare For 'Nine Beats To The Bar' Album With Multiple Single Releases
NINE BEATS COLLECTIVE, a collaboration of world class musicians, artists and songwriters from across 3 continents (Europe, North America and Africa) who are on the trail of exploring the 'Beatitudes' from the bible, will release their album 'Nine Beats to the Bar' on June 16th (CD & digital formats) on Plankton Records, with a vinyl edition at the end of July.
Nine Beats to the Bar is an eclectic soundscape of R&B, soul, rock/pop, acoustic threads, classical, jazz/funk, African vibes, and a hint of gospel. The variety of the artists that make up the collective and the variety of musical styles and genres included led to the decision to release 4 singles (one a week) leading up to the album's release.
Friday 19th May saw the release of the title track of the album 'Nine Beats to the Bar' by NINE BEATS COLLECTIVE ft MIKAEL R ANDREASEN. Mikael is based in Copenhagen, Denmark and is an artist who usually works under the moniker Kloster (the Danish word for monastery). The last album (their 6th release) 'Half Dream, Half Epiphany' was nominated for album of the year at the Danish music awards. Michael also won the 2016 Composer of the Year award at the prestigious Stefpeulven music awards. Mikael's trademark is the use of layered musical textured and vocals and these are certainly to the fore on this stunning haunting song that invites people to start living life nine beats to the bar, the nine beats referencing the beatitudes.
On 26th May 'What Can Love Create?' will be released by NINE BEATS COLLECTIVE ft. HEATHERLYN an American singer/song-artist with soul, roots and rock vibes infused through her songs. This beautiful, stripped back song showcases her soulful, poetic and honest voice which weaves with rich acoustic guitar tones and a delicious string arrangement.
2nd June sees the release of 'Kosi' by NINE BEATS COLLECTIVE ft. AMBASSADA who is one of the most prominent artists on the African music scene since his multi-award winning first album in 2004. Ambassador brings his Africa vides and voice to the collective. He is an advocate of children's rights and a UN Ambassador for children. Today, The Ambassador Foundation works in slums and children's homes around Nairobi. This track has an irresistible groove and heartfelt vocals that invoke hope from the nine beats for the children of Uganda, Africa and the World
Finally on 9th June there is '#blessed' by NINE BEATS COLLECTIVE ft REV VINCE ANDERSON who is based in New York City. A phenomenal live performer, Rev Vince has played a weekly live show in Brooklyn for over 20 years with his band 'The Love Choir'. He has also toured internationally and released four albums. He describes his musical style as "Dirty Gospel" and this song is his withering take on the world of Twitter/social media and the idea of cheap blessings - all underpinned by a pounding groove.
