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Can you make out the wave-like hum of cicadas and the constant sea behind the Timple instrument? Sunsrise in the forest in El Salvador, close to the border of Nicaragua.

During my time in Latin America I recorded the sounds of insects, birds, animals, rivers, rain and shores. Often in places where a song was inspired. These natural soundscapes from places such as this forest clifftop all feature within songs on the new album ‘Handmade Journey’

@katyhoopermusic

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I hope you are are all well friends far yet close in spirit.

It is with great delight that I can announce the release of my latest ALBUM on 1 JUNE!

HANDMADE JOURNEY was composed and recorded over the last 4 years and reflects a part of my life living between The Canary Islands and Latin/South America. A period which has changed me and my thoughts on life in so many different ways, for ever.

Although very personal is each song, this has been a collaborative project involving world musicians from these these volcanic islands, from the Andes in South America and sounds from the rainforests and coasts of Latin America and Colombia. It has been a privilege working and creating with all these people; Pablo Quintana who co-produced and recorded the songs with me, Coté Salas, Diego Silva, Xerach Peñate, Derque Martin Cruz, Jorge Soroa, Guayarmina Pedraza, Mauro Alves, Tali Trow, Stephen Barlow, Benjamin Robert Muir, Jose Vera Bello to name just some.

Perhaps this present moment we find ourselves in has given you time to reflect on yourself and our world. For me, it’s been time to absorb everything that has happened over the last 4 years… every emotion, sight, sound, discovery. This album encompasses many of those feelings, each song capturing a moment/place of some of these times. Thanks to everyone who has been there to followed some of this journey with me so far. I can’t wait to share HANDMADE JOURNEY with you!

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Well something keeps calling me back to South America. Here are just a few photos to share with you, travelling through Argentina, close to the border of Bolivia .. along the frontera with Chile and to Uruguay. Travelling with the guitar the journey was full of music, the wonderful company of two free souled women, the beautiful people we met on the way and total wilderness.

In terms of music we fell in love with the Zamba, Chacarera and Andian rhythms of northen Argentina. Thanks to everyone who shared their orginal and traditional music with me.. truly beautiful folk music.

dav

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In Tanzania I travelled to Stone Town, Zanzibar where I was lucky enough to meet some incredible musicians from the Dhow Countries Music Academy. A decadent building overlooking the port and cultural space for local musicians to work together and develop their music.

There on the top floor overlooking the port I recorded my new song ‘Can’t Resist’ with amazing multi-instrumentalist Tofa Boy on Flute and Drummer for the Siti & The Band James Clemence on percussion. You can listen to the song here:

The musicians showed me all their favourite local spots through the beautiful streets of Stone Town. The Dhow Countries Music Academy is an amazing project and essential for the young people and musicians of Zanzibar. You can find out more about their project here:

http://zanzibarmusic.org/

Artwork by Katy Hooper in Jambiani, Zanzibar where the women collect seaweed at low tide.

 

 

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Senegal was always a country I wanted to go to, one of my favorite musicians being Senegalese artist Cheikh Lo and I wanted to find out more about the music there.

This May I travelled there and was lucky enough to meet some fantastic musicians and form new friendships.

Lagart Productions filmed a new song of mine ‘Not Looking for a Ride’  in Dakar featuring Baye Cheikh, a fantastic Tama percussionist. Hope you enjoy the video!