#Zee Avi New Album 2014

[thebookofzeeavi]

Zee’s music for grown-ups and kids

(source: New Straits Times, 18 March 2014)

Malaysian singing sensation Zee Avi is known for her contemporary music with universal appeal. But for her new album, the Miri-born star is doing things a bit differently.

Expected to be out in May, Los Angeles-based Zee’s first children’s album will weave traditional Malay and English songs with modern pop tunes.

She says there will be nine songs in the album titled Zee Avi’s Nightlight which includes a lullaby medley that combines her modern take on Twinkle Twinkle Little Star and Air Pasang Malam.

There is also the Velvet Underground hit song Who Loves The Sun, Bobby McFerrin’s Don’t Worry Be Happy, Joni Mitchell’s Circle Game and Michael Jackson’s Ben. Who Loves The Sun is a tribute to Lou Reed, Velvet Underground’s lead vocalist, guitarist and songwriter who died in October 2013.

She says: “While these songs appeal to grown-ups, they are equally good for young ones as their messages can be read at different levels. As an example, Ben may be associated with the thriller movie Willard but for youngsters, it’s a song about unconditional love and lifelong friendship,” she says.

Zee spent four days working on the album in Woodstock, New York and says it has always been her dream to record a song at that historic music venue.

“I recorded the songs there last November and it was great fun because despite the cold weather, the nine songs were totally heartwarming,” she says.

Zee has always wanted to do her bit for pre-teens as they make up a sizable number of her fans. She is dedicating the album to a 7-year-old American fan Mackenzie Mauldin. “Mackenzie is a dear friend, as is her mother Micky Diaz.

“Micky requested I do an album specially for her daughter and I’m going to give her a lovely surprise in the process. That surprise is using Mackenzie’s lovely art work for the album cover.”

Zee believes in giving her projects the occasional personal touch because she is always grateful to her fans. “Once in a while, I want to honour fans who have inspired me to excel in my music. Their unconditional love and support are the reasons to make music for the world.” Zee Avi’s Nightlight is co-produced by Kevin Salem.

Zee’s self-titled first album was launched in 2009 and her second, Ghostbird, came in 2011.

[thebookofzeeavi]

Two albums in 2014?

We all know about Zee Avi's lullaby album Nightlight dropping this May, but there is another album due this year according to The Star.

Apparently Nightlight is a side project (9-track album of covers for the young ones) and the 'big one' a.k.a. 'the proper follow up' to Zee's sophomore album Ghostbird comes out later this year.

Two albums in a year? Zee, you're spoiling us!

Tracks appearing on Nightlight include the lullaby standard Hush, Little Baby, Don't Worry Be Happy (originally sung by Bobby McFerrin), The Rainbow Connection (Kermit the Frog) and Circle Game (Joni Mitchell).

And what about the 'other' album? Zee says "this one is going to be drenched in pop". Can't wait!!!

(source: The Star)