{"title":"Cold Specks","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eSomali-Canadian singer-songwriter based in London, *Cold Specks* is a unique and captivating artist. With her haunting vocals and introspective lyrics, she has carved out a distinct sound that defies genre boundaries. Drawing inspiration from a diverse range of influences, including folk, soul, and blues, Cold Specks creates music that is both raw and emotionally charged.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eHer music has been compared to artists such as Willis Earl Beal, POLIÇA, Basia Bulat, Jesca Hoop, Dan Mangan, Valerie June, Laura Marling, Hurray For The Riff Raff and more. However,*Cold Specks* stands out with her own signature style and powerful stage presence.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWith several critically acclaimed albums under her belt and a growing fan base around the world,*Cold Specks* continues to push the boundaries of what it means to be an artist. Her thought-provoking lyrics explore themes of identity, love,and loss while her mesmerizing voice leaves audiences spellbound. Whether performing live or recording in the studio,*Cold Specks* never fails to deliver an unforgettable musical experience.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"neuroplasticity","title":"Neuroplasticity","description":"\u003cp\u003eCold Specks, aka Al Spx, has returned, two years and a world map of tours after 2012's 'I Predict A Graceful Expulsion'. Hailed as a masterful and wholly original debut, the follow-up is radically expanded. The 26 year-old Canadian singer, under the sobriquet Al Spx, began work on Neuroplasticity while holed-up in a cottage in Wick, Somerset during the winter of 2012. The album was recorded at Montreal's Hotel2Tango and Toronto's Revolution Recordings studios and produced by Jim Anderson and mixed by Anderson and Ben Hillier (Blur, Depeche Mode). When Cold Specks wasn't writing or touring she was pin-balling between asks from an enviable roll call of collaborators and award panels. Shortlisted for the Juno Award and Polaris Prize, Spx also worked on Moby's album and was invited to play with Joni Mitchell at the singer's 70th birthday last year, alongside the likes of Herbie Hancock. She also contributed to Ambrose Akinmusire's new record for Blue Note and the latest Swans album 'To Be Kind'. These last two partnerships have left a significant impression on 'Neuroplasticity'. The indomitable Swans founder Michael Gira appears on 'Exit Plan' and Akinmusire joins him on the holocaust of a closer 'A Season Of Doubt', as well as permeating most of the record with trumpet lines of an anguished, cracking frailty. LP - Vinyl format includes digital download and art print.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Mute","offers":[{"title":"LP","offer_id":50407691845963,"sku":"377262","price":27.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"CD","offer_id":50407693615435,"sku":"377263","price":8.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/files\/079ce064-818e-4bdd-a25d-d6ef2196ffa1_thumbnail_4096.jpg?v=1726600161"},{"product_id":"light-for-the-midnight","title":"Light for the Midnight","description":"\u003cp\u003eCold Specks returns with her fourth album, \u003ci\u003eLight for the Midnight\u003c\/i\u003e.  Following the acclaim of her first three records (\u003ci\u003eI Predict a Graceful Expulsion\u003c\/i\u003e [2012],\u003ci\u003e Neuroplasticity\u003c\/i\u003e [2014], and \u003ci\u003eFool’s Paradise\u003c\/i\u003e [2017]), Cold Specks (Al Spx) has solidified her reputation as a singular voice in modern music. From her spellbinding acapella performance on Later… with Jools Holland to collaborations with Moby, Massive Attack, and Michael Gira of Swans, Cold Specks has consistently delivered artistry that resonates. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e With \u003ci\u003eLight for the Midnight\u003c\/i\u003e, she embarks on her most personal journey yet. At its core, the album is a raw and deeply emotional reflection on endurance, survival, and transformation. A collection of fervent ballads and atmospheric pop songs, it channels Spx’s soulful voice into expansive sonic worlds.  The album was conceived during a challenging period in Spx’s life. Work began in 2019 amidst struggles with mental health, experiences that are deeply embedded in the music. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eYet, despite its personal origins, Spx emphasises its universality: \"I definitely wanted to reflect on the last couple of years because it impacted me so much, but I also wanted the audience to walk away with this album. You know, the songs belong to them once I release them.”  \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe record was crafted in Toronto and Bristol, with Spx co-producing alongside Adrian Utley of Portishead and Ali Chant (known for working with Perfume Genius, Dry Cleaning, and Aldous Harding). It features string arrangements by Owen Pallett (Taylor Swift, Lana Del Rey, Sampha) and additional contributions from Graham Walsh of Holy Fuck. Spx also worked with a stellar lineup of collaborators, including Chantal Kreviazuk (Drake, Kendrick Lamar), Malcolm Middleton of Arab Strap, Ben Christophers, Ed Harcourt, and Jonathan Quarmby.\u003ci\u003e  Light for the Midnight\u003c\/i\u003e captures Cold Specks at her most vulnerable and powerful, weaving stories of struggle into stunning compositions that resonate deeply. It is an album of hope and transformation.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Mute","offers":[{"title":"LP - Black","offer_id":51196218966347,"sku":"2242730","price":29.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"CD","offer_id":51196218540363,"sku":"2242729","price":12.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/files\/cold_specks_LightForTheMidnight_Final_006296d8_thumbnail_4096.jpg?v=1738587637"}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/collections\/test_3775f9c3_thumbnail_4096_155075ab-1300-49c6-8354-16b5b8d42f25.jpg?v=1726600132","url":"https:\/\/shop.roughtrade.com\/de\/collections\/cold-specks.oembed","provider":"Rough Trade","version":"1.0","type":"link"}