Freshlyground announces new line-up, album

FRESHLYGROUND (pictured) announced the departure of their violinist and backing vocalist Kyla-Rose Smith yesterday together with details about their new album.

Freshlyground go into the studio this month to begin work on their sixth studio album with Swedish producer Tore Johansson, which they plan to release early next year.

Tore produced six albums and a string of hits for Swedish group The Cardigans before going on to produce the eponymous debut album for Franz Ferdinand, which included the singles Take Me Out, The Dark Of The Matinée, Darts of Pleasure and Michael. The album sold more than four million copies worldwide and garnered much critical acclaim. Tore won two separate Producer of the Year awards for his work on the album.

Tore has also produced hits for OK GO (including the tracks which accompany their two most famous videos) and tracks for Wild Beasts, St Etienne, Martha Wainwright and Nicole Atkins.

More recently he has worked with The Wombats and Dutch superstar Anouk, producing her double platinum album For Bitter or Worse.

Kyla-Rose is leaving the band to pursue other artistic opportunities in South Africa and abroad.

Freshlyground celebrates Kyla-Rose’s many contributions to the band over their 14-year collaboration, during which time the band became a household name across the country with mega hits such as I’d Like, Doo Be Doo, Fire is Low, and Waka Waka.

Kyla-Rose said: “Being part of this incredible band for the past 14 years has been the most rewarding and memorable experience of my professional life. It has been a gift to collaborate with my wonderful bandmates, whom I consider my family, to make our mark on the South African musical landscape with a bold message of love and our ability to transcend difference and cross the cultural divide.”

Kyla-Rose is replaced by Congolese guitarist Chris Bakalanga. Chris played in a number of groups in the Congo before moving to South Africa in 2005, where he has performed with leading artists like Simphiwe Dana, the Moreira Project and Hot Water.

Chris honed his magic “Soukous” guitar sound performing in Kinshasa, regarded as one of the great centres of musical innovation in Africa. — channel24.