Markéta Irglová, best known as one-half of the Irish-Czech folk-rock duo The Swell Season, will release her second solo album. The upcoming album is entitled, Muna, and is slated for release on September 23, 2014 via Anti-.
Although Irglová is Czech, she recorded the 11 tracks for this album in Iceland, where she now lives with her daughter, over the course of about six months. Icelandic record producer and engineer Sturla Mio Thorisson oversaw the recording process. And, to top off the Icelandic connection, the album’s title is an Icelandic word that means, “remember”.
By now you’re probably wondering what drew Irglová to Iceland to begin with. Well, she told Hollywood Reporter that she first visited the country with The Swell Season, and explained what drew her back to Iceland permanently.
I fell in love with it then and was sad to leave, although I knew someday something would bring me back. I am inspired by the open space, the wilderness of the nature, the strong energy coming from the land. There is a harmony, a balance, something that allows for a freer flow of creativity. It is easier to be one with oneself and one with everything and everyone around. This makes for better art, in my opinion.
The new album features 27 musicians from around the world including: The Frames’ Rob Bochnik, Aida Shahghasemi, an Iranian vocalist and daf player, and it becomes a bit of a family affair as well with Irglova’s sister Zuzi on backing vocals.
The lyrics and music of Muna contrast the small scale of the world we know, with the large and often unknown scale of the universe. “The result,” said Irglová, “is from the process of growing up — going through difficult times, getting lost and feeling left alone to find my way back.”
Additionally, Muna was partially inspired by Jesus Christ Superstar Andrew Llyod Webber and Tim Rice’s rock opera, and Conversations with God, a trilogy written by Neale Donald Walsh.
In the interview with Hollywood Reporter Irglová recalled,
I believe God speaks through us in many ways, beginning with simple acts of kindness and ending with pieces of art that inspire millions for generations. All that matters is to try and get in touch with that part of ourselves and trust that which comes forth. I tried to that with this record.
To see how it turned out, be sure to pick up a copy of Muna, or catch Irglová on tour this fall in the U.S.
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