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Teresa Bergman
Singer / Songwriter
Format:
LP Audiophil
33, Single & Broke’ - a title and statement in one. New Zealand’s exceptional vocalist and composer, Teresa Bergman, returns with her third studio album; a jazzy folk-pop inferno.
This is poetic discourse pop at its best. ‘33, Single & Broke’ challenges the listener toward contemplation, whilst maintaining a sense of melodic lightness and groove. Bergman digs deep into the reality for women in their thirties. She is honest, maintaining her reflective humour and closing in on heavy topics with a sense of sophistication.
She raises her voice for that which is closest to her heart - a voice that is simultaneously a masterful instrument of experimentation. The singer continues to utilise her extensive vocal palette - breaking boundaries with apparent ease whilst transporting the deepest of feelings with a refreshing simplicity. “Your love is like a piece of gum, so tasty till the chewing’s done” - Bergman gives us grounded sentiments to relate to.
‘33, Single and Broke’ angles back to the former busker’s folk-roots, yet maintains the complexity and genre-breaking originality we’ve come to expect from this dynamic artist. Aptly recorded during the second lockdown in the studios of the band "Isolation Berlin", the songs are infused with earthy, organic sounds and a feeling of warm togetherness. Bergman and band formed a creative bubble in the studio and their musical connection is palatable.
The album as a whole, but especially titles such as ‘Aaron’, ‘Checkout Tears’ or ‘Old Timer’ are reminiscent of the folk-heroes of the 60s and 70s. Simultaneously the songs are modern and clever with bold arrangements, lush jazzy harmonies and tasteful backing vocals. Bergman’s vocal vocabulary ranges from ‘aria-like’ elegies to soulful simplicity. The record’s first track, ‘Swallow’, engages the listener from the outset with poetic chanson, quirky rhythmic changes, classically inspired piano-arpeggios and soaring avant-garde vocals - an instrumentation emulating the playful freedom of the swallow’s flight.
Variants from €18.99*
Teresa Bergman
Folk
Format:
CD
From Berlin busker to boundary-pushing studio artist; a few years back you could stumble across Teresa Bergman singing on the streets of the German capital. Two record releases and numerous tours through Asia, New Zealand and Germany followed. Now, the singer and composer is releasing an intense, pop-soul album with jazz and folk elements; titled simply, ‘Apart’. Created in collaboration with Bilderbuch producer, Zebo Adam, ‘Apart’ is a challenging album of separation; featuring experimental vocal arrangements, soulful strings and elaborate soundscapes. At ist center, the most important instrument remains Bergman’s rich and versatile voice. Influential German radio station, Deutschlandfunk Kultur, recently described the New Zealander as "the greatest talent we’ve discovered in the past year." Long established as a captivating live performer, Teresa Bergman’s second studio album continues to set her brand of arty authenticity ‘Apart’.
Teresa Bergman has travelled far. Growing up in Wellington, New Zealand, she arrived in Europe in 2009 to study social sciences in Poland and Germany. During an internship, she fell in love with Berlin and soon became known for her regular gigs in the city’s busking mecca - Mauer Park. “I had to develop a really percussive guitar style just to be heard above the clatter of the street.” Sticking out from the crowd was nothing new, as a child Teresa started playing in front of New Zealand’s shopping malls at nine years old. The singer continues to prove she’s got what it takes to be heard above the noise - influential German radio station, Deutschlandfunk Kultur, recently described her as "the greatest talent we’ve discovered in the past year."
The 32-year-old wrote and recorded her second studio album ‘Apart’ in Berlin and Vienna, co-produced with "Bilderbuch" producer, Sebastian "Zebo" Adam. Her international band: Tobias Kabiersch - bass (GER), Pier Ciaccio - drums (IT) and Matt Paull - keys (NZ), feature extensively on the record. The heart of the production remains however, the wonderfully dynamic voice of Teresa Bergman.
‘Apart’ is less folk inspired than the artist’s first album, with many tracks finding their roots in a darker soul aesthetic, born of Bergman’s heartfelt and often melancholic lyrics. “This album was about honing and tuning my sound”, the singer recalls. "I wanted to unite the retro and modern, the arty and the approachable.” Lush and sophisticated strings arrangements by English jazz-fusion musician Ben Barritt feature heavily on the record. Barritt further contributes some stunningly epic electric guitar solos.
‘Apart’ is an album of separation and redefinition, of entering darkness to find the light. It’s about a difficult, yet positive choice made by the artist to set herself ‘apart’ from her culture, country and personal relationships and gain redefining perspective. “I hope this record inspires others to have the courage to let go of destructive patterns or relationships and stand apart - strong and full of self-love.”
The titular track opens with a haunting Hammond organ, harmonic dissonance and a heavy guitar riff, before Bergman’s luscious and emotionally charged vocals take over. In the upbeat single, "Hold Your Heart," the artist uses rhythmic vocal percussion to initiate a quirky, bouncing disco funk. "Only Numbers" is a languorous and dreamlike alternative pop track that takes a critical look at the digital addiction of our times. It illustrates Bergman's penchant for refined vocal techniques and experimental arrangements, in a similar vein to French singer, Camille.
"The Semi-Professional Clown" recalls Bergman's past as a barbershop quartet singer. Completely self-arranged, and instrumented with her own voice, the track asks the question, what does authenticity mean for art?
"Mirror Girl" - Bergman’s "folk fusion extravaganza" took 10 years to develop. Inspired by the complex, yet free-spirited guitar style of Joni Mitchell, as well as more recent folk heroines like Ani di Franco and K.d. Lang, the song combines intimate storytelling with epic, cinematic soundscapes. The outro’s driving beats and moog solo reflect Bergman's love for 1970s jazz-fusion à la Herbie Hancock.
Teresa Bergman has created an intense pop-soul album with folk and jazz elements that continues to set her brand of arty authenticity ‘apart’. At once varied and coherent - ‘Apart’ is challenging enough to stand out, yet universal enough to be instantly engaging. The artist herself calls it “a coming-of-age record. It’s the voice of a confident, 32-year-old woman, who’s not afraid to show her vulnerability. ‘Apart’ is about mistakes and lessons learned, self-acceptance and love.” Having long established herself as a captivating live artist, Teresa Bergman has created an album, which, like her, is unique, distinct, ‘Apart’.