Friday 14th February premiered the release of Marjana Semkina’s mesmerising debut solo album Sleepwalking.
With the long-awaited release date finally here Marjana reveals what the creation and release of Sleepwalking means to her “I never thought I’d be able to muster the courage to actually make a solo album. It’s a big step for me and it’s an important personal achievement because this means I managed to get over a lot of doubts and insecurities. They never quite went away but I don’t let them command my actions anymore, and I’m pretty proud because it took years of work for me to get here. I’m glad I have the platform to talk openly through music about things and feelings that were buried deep for years and I’m glad that so far, the scene has been very welcoming and accepting of what I have to say. Let’s hope it’ll continue developing in this direction. It’s also my first project that was funded through Patreon so this album us a tribute to all the freedoms that i have in my life because i have the support of my listeners. “
To promote the album’s release Marjana has premiered a new video for the track “Still Life” which features Jordan Rudess as guest performer. Marjana explains the song’s deeply personal meaning “’Still Life’ was one of the last songs I’d written for the album. It’s a reflection on always being away from home and your loved ones and never feeling quite content because you’re never really where you want to be, with who you want to be, there’s always something missing. This song is a very personal one because it’s a dedication to someone.”
In addition to the video Marjana has released a North Atlantic Oscillation Remix of “Still Life” – LISTEN HERE
Sleepwalking is a musical blend akin to the darker folk of Aldous Harding, Marissa Nadler, Sumie and Florist. To aid her vision for Sleepwalking, Marjana invited renowned keyboardist, drummer and bassist Jordan Rudess (Dream Theater), Craig Blundell and Nick Beggs (Steven Wilson), as well as the St. Petersburg Orchestra “1703” and frequent collaborator Vlad Avy. With the stunning album artwork referencing Semkina’s love for classical art, blending photography with the 17th-Century Vanitas movement.
Characterised by Marjana’s composed and unique voice, complex melodic lines and poetic lyrics with literary references, Sleepwalking draws from the Iamthemorning soundscape but exists fully in her world; a compelling mixture of alternative folk, pop, drama, beauty and emotionally purging lyrics.
Marjana explains the motivation behind the solo album “I wanted to use Sleepwalking as a way to translate emotions in the most sincere and unrefined way. No sugarcoating, no filters, just creative, honest thought caught in the moment. Turning those dark times and feelings into pure creative energy, something beautiful, something that has purpose”
Sleepwalking is available to ORDER HERE on CD / LP and digitally. Note to fans – Sleepwalking will be released under an alternative spelling – Mariana Semkina.
