Kevin Figes - Wallpaper Music II (2024) Hi Res

Multi-instrumentalist, composer and educator Kevin Figes will release his new album, Wallpaper Music II on 23 February. The recording features Brigitte Beraha on vocals, Jim Blomfield on keyboards, Ashley John Long on bass and Mark Whitlam on percussion and follows Figes’ critically acclaimed quartet album Wallpaper Music (2021) and the recently released limited edition 7” vinyl Seven For Lee/Green and Orange Night Park.

“There are a range of influences in the writing, including jazz, folk, rock and contemporary classical, interspersed with improvisation,” says Figes. “Specific influences include Art Bears, Robert Wyatt, Kevin Ayers, and Italian contemporary composers such as Bruno Maderna.”

“The lyrics are an essential component, working with the music to set scenes and evoke particular feelings. I hear the voice as an integral part of my music and enjoy expressing myself through the text,” explains Figes. “Other ideas involve using more sounds (saxes, flutes, keyboard sounds, spoken word) and inventing my own scales, harmonies and rhythmic structures. Each band member has also placed part of their personality into the album.”