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Astrakan

Astrakan are London composers and performers Celia Lu and Raymond Hardy. They are graduates from the masters course in composition at Goldsmith's College (University of London).

Celia and Raymond have shared interests in contemporary music. Raymond has been busy for a long time in the jazz field as a saxophonist while Celia has a more formal classical background as a vocalist and pianist. Their combined efforts as Astrakan produce a music that might loosely be considered to belong to the world of jazz fusion. However this is a new fusion or post-fusion, a nascent music that reflects the vitality of their city in all of its absurd contradictions and anomalies. It is a free-flowing amalgam of jazz, funk and digital electronics that has found a home in the experimental underground.

Over twenty years the band Astrakan has released five records with an ever changing personnel. Raymond was an original member in 2004, Celia joined for the recording of the Comets and Monsters album in 2012. Celia and Raymond as a duo composed, recorded and produced the most recent albums 'Pandora's Broken Unicorn' (2020) and 'Crab Weather' (2023). Listen to Astrakan if you favour "unusual rhythmic configurations, spine-tingling jazz harmonics mixing with delicious dissonances, impressive musicianship and striking female vocals (Trust the Doc).

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Astrakan’s Reflective Pause: “Achieved Very Little but Felt Peaceful”

Astrakan, known for their post-fusion blend of jazz, electronic, and funk, takes a contemplative turn with their latest track, “Achieved Very Little but Felt Peaceful.” Drawing from the lockdown diary of vocalist Celia, this ambient piece diverges from the duo’s typical whirlwind of electronic and acoustic dynamism, opting instead for a serene soundscape that mirrors the introspective mood of its title. The track layers Celia’s spoken words with subtle electronic percussion and synth work, integrating her voice as both a narrative and percussive element. A gentle saxophone weaves through the spoken lyrics, adding a soft, melodic commentary to the reflective content.

Astrakan’s Reflective Pause: “Achieved Very Little but Felt Peaceful”

This departure from Astrakan’s usual sound, characterized by wild electronic and acoustic content seen in tracks like “Crab Weather,” showcases a different facet of the duo’s musical identity. The track’s spacious arrangement and the restrained use of kick and snare drums complement the lyrical theme, creating an atmosphere of peace and contemplation. The decision to allow ample space within the composition emphasizes the peaceful mood, underscoring the personal revelation found in a moment of stillness and minimal achievement. (Electronica)

Achieved Very Little But Felt Peaceful: "In a busy world, I like very much the idea of feeling peaceful and achieving very little. Creative endeavour in oodles. A wonderland of funked up heat and rhythm topped with layer of unfamiliar comfort. There’s definitely a feeling of peace while you meander through Astrakan’s sounds. Well-being bottled for your inner peace. Love this track. Add it to your playlists!" (Arpraxis' Eclectic Hits)

My Primrose Fantasy: "unusual rhythmic configurations, spine-tingling jazz harmonics mixing with delicious dissonances, impressive musicianship and striking female vocals" (Trust the Doc).

Come Back to Me: "Bass driven song. Very jazzy. Now, I am walking and observing people on the streets of a cyberpunk film. Obviously, I am wearing sunglasses." (Funky Python's Eclectic Picks)

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