NORLYZ feat. Malika Alaoui – Aurora Ritual
For the EP “Aurora Ritual” by the electro-acoustic live act NORLYZ feat. Malika Alaoui, I played the synths & drums, wrote, recorded and produced the music.
For their EP ‘Aurora Ritual,’ german electronic band NORLYZ takes listeners on a mesmerizing journey, featuring the otherworldly vocals of Swiss-Moroccan singer Malika Alaoui. Breaking new ground, NORLYZ combine their electronic and acoustic instruments with vocals, crafting a unique sonic experience that seamlessly merges elements of techno, jazz, and world music.
In “Aurora Ritual,” NORLYZ introduces an imaginary language, transporting listeners to a mysterious and untrodden realm. The unconventional vocals, co-created with Malika Alaoui, captivate with their bizarre beauty, casting a spell that enthralls and arouses curiosity. The EP’s enchanting soundscapes, driven by trance-inducing grooves, feature vocals, synthesizers, wind instruments, cello, and beats intricately woven together. The result is an immersive narrative that builds to an ecstatic climax, blurring the lines between the concert hall and the dance floor.
The EP’s second track “Alive”, sung in French, showcases Malika Alaoui’s delicate vocals paired with deep, driving synthesizer basses. The song tells the tale of a bird caught in an oil spill, initially almost lifeless on the beach. With a last burst of vitality, the bird frees itself from the oil, symbolizing resilience and hope as it takes flight again. The emotive blend of Alaoui’s vocals and pulsating synthesizers creates a transcendent experience, inviting listeners to reflect on strength within vulnerability.
Blindsmyth injects a surge of high energy into the EP’s title track ‘Aurora Ritual,’ delivering a dynamic club remix that amplifies the original’s hypnotic allure. With his signature touch, Blindsmyth enhances the vocals, introducing harmonies that add a new layer of depth and intensity. The remix transforms the original into a pulsating, dancefloor-ready experience.
Malika Alaoui, an exceptionally talented singer, composer, and performer, is based in Berlin. She has joined forces with NORLYZ, bringing a wealth of experience to the collaboration. With multicultural influences, Alaoui has spent four years touring and singing the main role in Cirque du Soleil’s highly acclaimed show ‘Alegria.’ Her extensive collaborations with artists like Stuart Hamm, Robert Fripp, and more contribute to enriching the EP with her unique vocal palette—a warm, fragile, yet powerful and authentic voice, brimming with character.
NORLYZ, comprising founder and producer Paul David Heckhausen, cellist Gábor Hartyáni, trumpeter Philipp Püschel, and saxophonist Lasse Golz, showcase their diverse musical backgrounds. The fusion of Heckhausen’s techno and jazz roots, Hartyáni’s groove-infused world music influences, and Püschel and Golz’s jazz expertise creates a rich and dynamic sound. The quartet’s danceable and cinematic arrangements reflect a fusion of acoustic warmth with the precision and energy of analog synthesizers and sequencers.
Having performed at prestigious festivals such as Fusion and Elbjazz Festival, Detect Classic, and 3000Grad Festival, NORLYZ brings a depth of expertise to “Aurora Ritual.” Their music bridges genres, offering a distinctive blend that is both accessible and avant-garde.
“Aurora Ritual feat. Malika Alaoui” is not just an EP; it’s an invitation to explore the unfamiliar, a sonic journey into the exotic, and an immersive encounter with the bizarre. NORLYZ and Malika Alaoui invite you to join them on this sonic adventure, as they redefine the boundaries of musical exploration.
ARTISTS
Malika Alaoui – Vocals
Philipp Püschel – Trumpet, Flügelhorn
Lasse Golz – Tenor Saxophone, Bass Clarinet
Gábor Hartyáni – Cello
Paul David Heckhausen – Synthesizer, Ableton, Handpan, Percussion
Tjard Wobig – Light
Written by Paul David Heckhausen & Malika Alaoui
Recorded, Produced & Mixed by Paul David Heckhausen
Remix by Blindsmyth
Mastered by Calyx Mastering
Release Date: 05.04.2024
Label: NORLYZ Music
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