A year ago we were delighted to introduce you to Anastasia Minster via our First Date series along with her stunning full length release Father. Today we’re doubly delighted to inform you of its upcoming arrival on vinyl which you can assist in supporting here. —Ed.
VIA PRESS RELEASE | The upcoming second album release from Moscow-born singer and composer Anastasia Minster, Father, is dark and existential, with intricate multi-layered instrumental arrangements and hauntingly expressive vocals.
After releasing her debut noir chamber pop album Hour of the Wolf in 2017, Anastasia Minster went on to work on a more ambitious and comprehensive project: her second record Father. Three tracks were created in collaboration with English musician, composer and record producer Steve Jansen, and feature his signature atmospheric synth and string arrangements.
Other tracks boast multi-layered cello arrangements by Canadian virtuoso cellist Raphael Weinroth-Browne and trumpet parts by JUNO nominated Tara Kannangara. The album was recorded at Sonology studio in Toronto using a variety of vintage analogue sound equipment. The lyrics are inspired by the works of Carl Jung, Hermann Hesse, and Andrei Tarkovsky.
The first single, “Solaris” takes inspiration from Andrei Tarkovsky’s 1972 film of the same name. Solaris is a mysterious oceanic planet that has the ability to communicate with people by perceiving their brainwaves and bringing their deepest desires to life. The track is built on the traditional jazz trio setup with grand piano, upright bass and soft percussion, and features a stunning climactic instrumental outro section with 6 layered cello parts.
The second single, “Father” is based on certain deep personal experiences of the artist. The lyrics are both psychoanalytic and theological and are inspired by the doctrine of the trinity. The piece is built around the vocals, supported by the dramatic synth and string section created by Steve Jansen.
“‘Father’ is perhaps the most personal song I have composed so far. Writing it was a journey of sorts: back to the death of my father 15 years ago, coming of age and then fast forward to all the personal drama that has unfolded in my life over the past two years,” says Minster. “I am incredibly happy that Steve [Jansen], who had been such an inspiration for me for many years, agreed to work with me on this track.”
About Anastasia Minster | Anastasia Minster is originally from Moscow, Russia. She moved to Toronto in 2013 to make a fresh start and to begin a career as a solo artist. Her second album, Father, combines elements of classical, folk and jazz. Minster’s music pulls inspiration from old avant garde films, the cycles of life and death, and even the theories of psychologist Carl Jung.
Father Track Listing:
1. The Ocean Song (feat. Steve Jansen)
2. Falling
3. We Are The Prison
4. Halos (feat. Steve Jansen)
5. Supernova
6. Solaris
7. Fireworks
8. Father (feat. Steve Jansen)
