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Philippa Healey releases ‘I Used To Be Fun’

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“Philippa is so refreshingly adventurous with harmony, melody, and rhythm.” – Paul Turner – Jamiroquai – bass

Highly acclaimed Philippa Healey unveils a cheeky tribute to tired mums everywhere on tongue in cheek future funk classic ‘I Used to Be Fun’.

Giving Prince and Stevie a firm nod, London singer Miss Healey, alongside legendary guests from Jamiroquai, combine a sophisticated and seductive sound on this highly relatable cut which pays homage to the struggles of long-term relationships.

Philippa’s masterful vocal phrasing – which ranges from girlish breathlessness to an impassioned belt – perfectly portrays the paradox of the song’s narrative; a frazzled mother determined to seduce, and therefore overcome her own exhaustion, if only just for one night. Hilarious lines like, “If it all gets too familiar, I’ll picture Milo Ventimiglia” conjure memories of Victoria Wood’s live piano classic, ‘Ballad of Barry & Freda (Let’s Do It)’.

However, Philippa, brings her canned heat under a heavy influence of 70s, 80s and 90s jazz funk. Philippa Healey is what some might class a musician’s musician, though we suspect the public will soon become aware of this new genie in a bottle. Highly revered among her peers, an Oxford University music graduate & West End leading lady who started life as a classical pianist and opera singer at the highly competitive Chetham’s School Of Music, Philippa developed – not only as a singer and pianist – but also composer & arranger who was lured by the chance to star in the West End’s record-breaking London production of ‘Les Miserables’. Philippa went on to develop her own Vegas-style cabaret show and has headlined relentlessly all over the globe for the world’s most luxurious cruise lines.

As she enters this new phase in her musical journey she returns to original composition and her true passion of soul and funk, and in 2024 has begun to release her own music with a little help from the Jamiroquai rhythm section, which is where you’ll note the irrepressible sounds of Rob Harris (guitar), Paul Turner (bass), and Derrick McKenzie (drums); a.k.a the “Dream Team Of Funk” (as lovingly nicknamed by Philippa herself.) Honourable mention also goes to Hammond organ whizz-kid Liam Dunachie, a staunch favourite on the London jazz circuit, who delivers exquisite voice leading and additional harmonic colours. To quote Miss Healey: “The track was already sounding sublime in the studio…and then Liam just came in, and sprinkled magic fairy dust all over it in about 5 minutes flat. The Jamiroquai lads and I were in awe!”

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Jeoff Harris Elevates ‘Cathartic Fall’ with a Poetic and Emotional Re-Release

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Jeoff Harris has once again proven his mastery in blending music with deep emotional narratives in the re-release of Cathartic Falls debut album. Known for crafting RIAA-certified hits that dominate both pop and indie scenes, Harris ventures into even more vulnerable and intimate territory with this project. The re-release is not just a rehash of the original album, but a significant evolution, pushing the boundaries of his creative expression. Harris explores themes of grief, loss, anxiety, and personal growth with renewed intensity.

The most striking addition to the re-release is the integration of spoken word performances. Collaborating with some of today’s most compelling voices in poetry and mental health advocacy, Harris has crafted a project that feels both emotionally raw and thoughtfully constructed. Tracks like “Before The Fall,” “Breathe,” and “Sometimes Words Just Get In The Way” now feature poetic interludes from Whitney Hanson, Allie Michelle, and Trev Cimenski. These poets inject their words into Harris’ ambient soundscapes, creating moments of profound reflection. Matthias J Barker, a noted figure in the mental health space, also adds a powerful layer of psychological depth to the music, making the project not only an artistic endeavor but also an emotional exploration.

The fusion of music and spoken word proves to be more than just an artistic choice—it deepens the connection between listener and artist. Harris’ ambient compositions provide the perfect backdrop for these spoken word passages, enhancing their impact without overshadowing the words. There’s a synergy between sound and speech that invites the listener into an introspective journey, exploring their own emotional experiences alongside those expressed in the album. It’s as though Harris has created a space for the listener to grieve, heal, and grow in tandem with the music.

The spoken word performances, in particular, add a fresh dimension to, Cathartic Fall. The personal nature of the poems, combined with Harris’ atmospheric production, ensures that each track feels both intimate and universal. Listeners are invited to dwell on the words, to sit in the emotional spaces created by the interplay between the music and poetry. This layered approach makes the album feel deeply personal, yet approachable, offering solace to those who may be grappling with similar emotional challenges.

One of the standout moments of this re-release was its live launch event, where the featured poets experienced the completed project for the first time. This collective unveiling, shared with fans and collaborators alike, underscored the collaborative heart of, Cathartic Fall. It’s a testament to the power of art as a shared experience and how music, in particular, can bridge personal emotions with collective understanding.

With this re-release, Jeoff Harris has transformed, Cathartic Fall, from a musical album into an immersive, multi-dimensional experience. By weaving together music, poetry, and mental health advocacy, Harris has crafted a project that not only resonates on an emotional level but also encourages reflection and healing. Fans of Harris’ work will appreciate the emotional growth and sonic depth he brings to this re-imagined album, while new listeners will find themselves captivated by the intimate dialogue between music and words.

In a time where music often feels fleeting, Cathartic Fall, stands as a project that demands to be absorbed, felt, and reflected upon. It’s not just an album—it’s an experience.

Listen here:

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