New York, NY (Sony BMG
Music Entertainment) - Electro-inspired British singer/songwriter Imogen Heap's highly regarded new album, Speak for Yourself - her eagerly awaited U.S. debut on RCA Victor Records - hits U.S. stores on November 1. The much sought after Heap, the female axis of British electro/alt favorites Frou Frou, has already received quick kudos for her new solo album, (released in the UK in July) with popular online music forum Myspace.com making her a ‘featured' artist, and BBC's
Radio One awarding her the prestigious song of the week slot for her first single 'Hide And Seek,' at the beginning of August.
Now poised to strike in the states, the ultra-auteur Imogen, who not only wrote, recorded, produced (and everything in-between) Speak for Yourself, has now released the disc in her native UK on her self-generated indie imprint Megaphonic Records, is also thrilled that her intricately constructed, multi-layered signature sound (‘I even love the glitches' she says of her adventurous style) has become a must-have component on a slew of recent U.S. soundtracks. But she's most excited about her new relationship with RCA Victor, the end-result of a ‘painstaking' search for a U.S. label, who, as she says: 'Believed in the record as much as I do.'
With an album of songs wholly funded and controlled by Imogen herself, the mercurial artist left no stone unturned when seeking a U.S. license. 'The best way to describe it is that the people from RCA Victor ‘got it.' says the effusive artist. 'This album represents the broadest spectrum of songs I've ever done, and can change direction on you in a split second, sometimes in the same song. RCA was truly excited about the possibilities here, and I knew they were committed to putting only their best behind it.'
Jeb Hart, Sr. VP Worldwide Marketing for the RCA Victor Group adds: "Imogen exemplifies the best in the new breed of singer-songwriters today. She is indeed a true artist. We are extremely pleased and honored to be working with someone as creative and visionary as Imogen."
Imogen's relentless creative/entrepreneurial spirit and compelling stage presence have drawn comparisons with other ‘strong-female' artists, but it was the perfectly timed song placement in last season's fateful episode of the U.S. hit TV show The O.C. that raised the curtain on her U.S. appeal, thanks to the breath-catching gem 'Hide And Seek,' which is also featured on her new solo album. Director Zach Braff personally chose another Frou Frou nugget, 'Let Go,' for his sleeper hit movie Garden State, and most recently, Imogen contributed a cover rendition of the classic 'Spooky' (once made famous by Dusty Springfield) for the new Reese Witherspoon/Mark Ruffalo movie/soundtrack, Just Like Heaven.
Also known for her eclectic live show, (she has previously opened for diverse artists such as Rufus Wainwright, Coldplay and Norah Jones, Imogen has signed on to perform in the 2005 Hotel Café Tour, featuring artists Cary Brothers, Josh Radin, Butch Walker, Tim Jones and others, and hits the states on September 19 at the Bowery Ballroom in New York City, finishing up on October 13 at San Diego's House Of Blues. Imogen will be previewing very special stripped down versions of songs from her new album involving laptops, pianos, gismos and live vocal sampling. The show will include tracks 'Headlock,' Goodnight and Go,' and 'Loose Ends,' among others.
The November 1st release will include a beautiful limited edition, three fold digi pack that has been completely designed by Imogen.
