KARAMELIEN presents 'Do You Really Want To Go', a sunburst indiepop taste of their debut 'Living With The Moon' album

December 6, 2023

‘Although I’ve always been a fairly sociable person, I’ve never enjoyed the formality of parties, particularly ones where you’re expected to dress in a certain way. I hate high heels and sparkly dresses. Eurgh. And I always enjoy the chance to write a tongue-in cheek ditty, where I can let myself get a bit narky about silly things. I’d woken up with the chorus line in my head and it grew from there," says Léanie Kaleido.

"I initially recorded the track at my home studio, then we worked further on it with Mark Gardener at OX4 Sound. I played Gardener’s gorgeous Rhodes for the main keyboard track, which was a treat. However, the song needed more work to get it finished so, later, at Ian Caple’s studio, Lee Pomeroy came in to add some live bass and he gave it a bit of a ‘Blockheads vibe’ in the chorus. I’ve always loved Norman Watt-Roy from the Blockheads – I’ve seen them live 3 or 4 times and that man is a veritable sweaty bass genius – so Lee’s basslines, as always, made me very happy indeed."

Mark Foster adds, "‘Do You Really Wanna Go is what might have occurred if Beck had visited East London’s Drum and Bass Clubs in the mid-90s while writing 'Odeley' – warm, washed out jazzy vibes, with a kick of DIY breakbeat to keep things just the right side of Shoreditch."

While Lee Pomeroy (ELO, Take That, Rick Wakeman, Yes), one of the UK's leading bass players, joined the duo on most of the album's tracks, the song 'Ascension Heights' features bassist Morris 'Mo' Pleasure (Earth, Wind & Fire, Michael Jackson, Janet Jackson, Ray Charles), gracing the track with his funkadelic bassline.

Karamelien recently presented 'Digital Imogen', a feisty in tongue-in-cheek warning of the dangers of obsessing over own photos on social media, which was recorded and produced by Ian Caple (Massive Attack, Tricky, Mansun, Tindersticks, Vanessa Paradis), who was also EMI's in-house engineer back in the day.

The duo earlier released the title track 'Living With The Moon' and 'Wait For Me'with piano, mixing and production by Chris Mars (A Flock of Seagulls, Damian Wilson). Two other tracks were produced by RIDE's Mark Gardener at OX4 Sound Studio - 'Lionhearts' and 'Ascension Heights', which features a guitar sample from Léanie's late father Top Topham (original founding guitarist of The Yardbirds) and also involved Paul Statham (Dido, Simple Minds, Kylie Minogue).

The 'Living With The Moon' album is out now and available from fine digital platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music and Bandcamp.

CREDITS
All songs written by Léanie Kaleido except Track 6, written by Léanie Kaleido & Mark Foster
Mark Foster - artistic director
Léanie Kaleido – vocals, piano, keys, Rhodes, tenor electric guitar, guitaret, string arrangements, electronic bass
Mark Foster – guitars, theramin
Lee Pomeroy – bass on Tracks 1, 3, 6, 7, 8 and 9
Morris ‘Mo’ Pleasure - bass on 'Ascension Heights'
Top Topham – sample on 'Ascension Heights'
Chris Mars – piano on 'Wait for Me'
Joe Caple – drums on 'Sewing at Sea'
Tracks 1, 3, 6, 8 and 9 produced by Ian Caple Recording
Tracks 2, 4 and 7 produced by Mark Gardener at OX4 Sound
Track 5 produced by Chris Mars Music
Additional production on 'Ascension Heights' by Joolz Dunkley
Additional production on Track 7 by Ian Caple
Mastered by Jon Astley, except initial masters for Ascension Heights and Lionhearts singles mastered by Tim at Turan Audio

Keep up with Karamelian
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Southern UK indiepop duo KARAMELIEN releases 'Living With The Moon' album and new video for 'Digital Imogen'

November 6, 2023

"This invigorating album presents soulful indie pop at its best. A breath of fresh air that is rich on melody, its lyrics range from confessional to tongue-in-cheek with Kaleido’s sublime vocals to smoothen this pleasureful ride. A captivating offering!" ~ The Spill Magazine

"Upbeat, a joyous folk-rock affair... bedecked in kaleidoscopic sixties sparkle, a slight splash of psychedelia and a whole tsunami of charm and grace" ~ Big Takeover Magazine

"A hug of soulful indie pop with groove as infectious as its melodic breath and lyrical smile is poetic... seductive captivation" ~ Ringmaster Review

''A true work of beauty and professionalism, taking you to your very own ascension heights" ~ Amplify Music Magazine

UK indie pop-rock duo Karamelien present their debut album, 'Living With The Moon', a grounding 9-track offering that breaks from the typical songwriter mould, with sonic offerings that draw inspiration from fuzzy Lo-fi, storytelling, trip hop, and reverb-drenched 1960s film soundtracks, with a greater emphasis on beats and basslines.

Based in East Grinstead, Karamelien is singer-songwriter Léanie Kaleido and guitarist Mark Foster - two long-time friends, whose music has forged an even stronger bond between them. This Karamelien album follows the three albums that Léanie Kaleido released as a solo artist.

Léanie and Mark were joined by one of the UK's leading bass players, Lee Pomeroy (ELO, Take That, Rick Wakeman, Yes), on most of the album's tracks. However, the song 'Ascension Heights' features bassist Morris 'Mo' Pleasure (Earth, Wind & Fire, Michael Jackson, Janet Jackson, Ray Charles), who graced the track with his funkadelic bassline.

Karamelien also present the video for 'Digital Imogen', a feisty in tongue-in-cheek warning of the dangers of obsessing over own photos on social media, which was recorded and produced by Ian Caple (Massive Attack, Tricky, Mansun, Tindersticks, Vanessa Paradis), who was also EMI's in-house engineer back in the day.

Léanie Kaleido wrote the title track 'Living With the Moon' after a year of counselling for depression and anxiety, linked to menopause and not helped by Covid-enforced inactivity and unease. She says, "On our final session, my amazing counsellor Jude, who I have kept in touch with, described the acceptance of good and bad days as ‘like living with the moon’. I told her that would make a great song title and promised her I’d write it – and I did! So, the lyrics are a thank you to myself for getting the help I needed at the time, a finger to the armchair critics and the toxic people who didn’t help, and a willing surrender to the lunar power over us all. It’s about the feeling of freedom you get when you stop worrying so much about what everyone else thinks and learn to accept your weaknesses and discover your hidden strengths.”

Mark Foster says, "We wanted the guitars to sound pretty processed, and a little bit ugly - which I think we achieved! I was definitely channelling the spirit of Sonic Youth, J Mascis, and a host of other beautiful noise-niks on this one".

The duo earlier released the title track 'Living With The Moon' and 'Wait For Me'with piano, mixing and production by Chris Mars (A Flock of Seagulls, Damian Wilson). Two other tracks were produced by RIDE's Mark Gardener at OX4 Sound Studio - 'Lionhearts' and 'Ascension Heights', which features a guitar sample from Léanie's late father Top Topham (original founding guitarist of The Yardbirds) and also involved Paul Statham (Dido, Simple Minds, Kylie Minogue).

As of October 27, the 'Living With The Moon' album is available from fine digital platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music and Bandcamp.

UK indiepop duo KARAMELIEN set to release 'Living With The Moon' album, previewing latest single 'Digital Imogen'

October 26, 2023

Mark Foster says, "We wanted the guitars to sound pretty processed, and a little bit ugly - which I think we achieved! I was definitely channelling the spirit of Sonic Youth, J Mascis, and a host of other beautiful noise-niks on this one".

The duo earlier released the title track 'Living With The Moon' and 'Wait For Me'with piano, mixing and production by Chris Mars (A Flock of Seagulls, Damian Wilson). Two other tracks were produced by RIDE's Mark Gardener at OX4 Sound Studio - 'Lionhearts' and 'Ascension Heights', which features a guitar sample from Léanie's late father Top Topham (original founding guitarist of The Yardbirds) and also involved Paul Statham (Dido, Simple Minds, Kylie Minogue).

As of October 27, the 'Living With The Moon' album is available from fine digital platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music and Bandcamp.

UK indiepop duo KARAMELIEN previews 'Digital Imogen' on the dangers of obsessive filtering. New album is out October 27

October 10, 2023

''A true work of beauty and professionalism, taking you to your very own ascension heights" ~ Amplify Music Magazine

"Upbeat, a joyous folk-rock affair... bedecked in kaleidoscopic sixties sparkle, a slight splash of psychedelia and a whole tsunami of charm and grace" ~ Big Takeover Magazine

"A hug of soulful indie pop with groove as infectious as its melodic breath and lyrical smile is poetic... seductive captivation" ~ Ringmaster Review

Ahead of releasing their debut album 'Living With The Moon', indie pop-rock duo Karamelien presents their new single 'Digital Imogen', a feisty in tongue-in-cheek warning of the dangers of society's worrying obsession with filtering our own photos on social media.

Based in East Grinstead, Karamelien is singer-songwriter Léanie Kaleido and guitarist Mark Foster - two long-time friends, whose music has forged an even stronger bond between them.

Bassist Lee Pomeroy (ELO, Take That, Rick Wakeman, Yes) also plays on this ballsy tune, giving an appreciative nod to indie goddess Shirley Manson of Garbage, a huge influence on Léanie in the 1990s.

The track was recorded and produced by Ian Caple (Massive Attack, Tricky, Mansun, Tindersticks, Vanessa Paradis). As EMI's in-house engineer back in the day, Ian was privileged to have worked with Kate Bush on her demos (and don't tell anyone but Simon Cowell was allegedly his tea boy back then!)

The track came about when Léanie was thinking about a friend called Imogen and her love of wordplay led her to conjure up Digital Imogen. With social media-fuelled pressure on young people to use filters to change people's features and airbrush impurities, Léanie decided to use this title as a semi-lighthearted protest at this unnerving pressure to look 'cartoon perfect' all the time.

Album order https://karamelien.bandcamp.com/album/living-with-the-moon-2
'Digital Imogen' single https://ditto.fm/digital-imogen
Bandcamp https://karamelien.bandcamp.com/track/digital-imogen
Spotify https://open.spotify.com/artist/1elrvczndFHZhvhdEv7rBJ
Apple Music https://music.apple.com/ca/artist/karamelien/1636277866

"I once interviewed Shirley from Garbage back in my days as a music journalist, and I always admired her gorgeously unflinching power and attitude. I'm hoping this song has shown that side of me, just a little bit. And Mark Foster's immense guitars have really brought this track to life and given it the balls it needed. He's such a dude!" says Léanie Kaleido.

"Imagine getting so obsessed with your 'perfect', filtered online self that you actually get too scared to even go out any more, in case you're seen as your true self? That's what Digital Imogen is about. Even though the name was inspired by a friend, she's nothing like Digital Imogen - she's a really cool person who doesn't give in to the crappy obsession with changing how we look. We should all be like the real Imogen, not the Digital one."

Mark Foster adds, "We wanted the guitars to sound pretty processed, and a little bit ugly - which I think we achieved! I was definitely channelling the spirit of Sonic Youth, J Mascis, and a host of other beautiful noise-niks on this one".

This follows the album's title track 'Living With The Moon' - an upbeat, breezy guitar-driven anthem that gives the musical finger to the armchair critics. At the same time, it addresses coming to terms with the ongoing struggle with mental health and embracing the ups and downs and ebbs and flows of life and all its mysteries.

Earlier, Karamelien released the single 'Wait For Me' featuring piano, mixing and production by Chris Mars (A Flock of Seagulls, Damian Wilson) and two tracks produced by RIDE's Mark Gardener at OX4 Sound Studio - 'Lionhearts' and the epic 'Ascension Heights', which features a guitar sample from Léanie's late father Top Topham (original founding guitarist of The Yardbirds). This particular song also features bassist Mo Pleasure (Earth, Wind & Fire, Michael Jackson) and involved Paul Statham (Dido, Simple Minds, Kylie Minogue).

As of October 9, the 'Digital Imogen' single is available on Spotify, Apple Music and Bandcamp. The full album, which will be released on October 27, is now available for pre-order via Bandcamp.

CREDITS
Written by Léanie Kaleido
Léanie Kaleido – vocals, piano, keys, tenor electric guitar
Mark Foster – guitars
Lee Pomeroy – bass
Produced by Ian Caple Recording
Mastered by Jon Astley
Mark Foster - artistic director

Britain's KARAMELIEN presents 'Living With The Moon', sweet reverie previewing the indiepop duo's debut album

September 19, 2023

''A true work of beauty and professionalism, taking you to your very own ascension heights" ~ Amplify Music Magazine

"Upbeat, a joyous folk-rock affair... bedecked in kaleidoscopic sixties sparkle, a slight splash of psychedelia and a whole tsunami of charm and grace" ~ Big Takeover Magazine

"A hug of soulful indie pop with groove as infectious as its melodic breath and lyrical smile is poetic... seductive captivation" ~ Ringmaster Review

UK indiepop duo Karamelien presents their new single 'Living With The Moon',the title track from their forthcoming album by the same name.

An upbeat, breezy offering, this is a feel-good guitar-driven anthem that gives the musical finger to the armchair critics. At the same time, it comes to terms with the ongoing struggle with mental health and embraces the lunar flow - the ups and downs and ebbs and flows of life and all its mysteries.

Based in East Grinstead, Karamelien is singer-songwriter Léanie Kaleido and guitarist Mark Foster - two long-time friends, whose music has forged an even stronger bond between them. The new single is about finding triumph through adversity, but also makes for a great singalong indie pop anthem.

"I wrote this song after a year of counselling for depression and anxiety, linked to menopause and not helped by Covid-enforced inactivity and unease. On our final session, my amazing counsellor Jude, who I have kept in touch with, described the acceptance of good and bad days as ‘like living with the moon’. I told her that would make a great song title and promised her I’d write it – and I did!" says Léanie Kaleido.

“So, the lyrics are a thank you to myself for getting the help I needed at the time, a finger to the armchair critics and the toxic people who didn’t help, and a willing surrender to the lunar power over us all. It’s about the feeling of freedom you get when you stop worrying so much about what everyone else thinks and learn to accept your weaknesses and discover your hidden strengths.”

Earlier, Karamelien released the single 'Wait For Me' featuring piano, mixing and production by Chris Mars (A Flock of Seagulls, Damian Wilson) and two tracks produced by RIDE's Mark Gardener at OX4 Sound Studio - 'Lionhearts' and the epic 'Ascension Heights', which features a guitar sample from Léanie's late father Top Topham (original founding guitarist of The Yardbirds). This particular song also features bassist Mo Pleasure (Earth, Wind & Fire, Michael Jackson) and involved Paul Statham (Dido, Simple Minds, Kylie Minogue).

The 'Living With The Moon' single is out now, available on Spotify, Apple Music and Bandcamp. The full album will be released on October 27 and is already available for pre-order via Bandcamp.

UK indiepop duo KARAMELIEN releases single 'Living With The Moon', a sonic mental health boost, heralding debut album

September 13, 2023

'A true work of beauty and professionalism, taking you to your very own ascension heights" ~ Amplify Music Magazine

"Upbeat, a joyous folk-rock affair... bedecked in kaleidoscopic sixties sparkle, a slight splash of psychedelia and a whole tsunami of charm and grace" ~ Big Takeover Magazine

"A hug of soulful indie pop with groove as infectious as its melodic breath and lyrical smile is poetic... seductive captivation" ~ Ringmaster Review

UK indiepop duo Karamelien presents their new single 'Living With The Moon',the title track from their forthcoming album by the same name. An energetic, upbeat, guitar-driven track that celebrates the rewarding path of learning to live with mental health challenges, accepting them, and feeling the freedom of just ‘going with the flow.

A poignant but cheeky track, it is wistful while also being full of a f*ck-you attitude. It’s about finding triumph through adversity. But most of all, it’s a great singalong indie pop anthem with a hook that may invade your brain and stay there for days.

Based in East Grinstead, Karamelien is singer-songwriter Léanie Kaleido and guitarist Mark Foster - two long-time friends, whose music has forged an even stronger bond between them.

"I wrote this song after a year of counselling for depression and anxiety, linked to menopause and not helped by Covid-enforced inactivity and unease. On our final session, my amazing counsellor Jude, who I have kept in touch with, described the acceptance of good and bad days as ‘like living with the moon’. I told her that would make a great song title and promised her I’d write it – and I did!" says Léanie Kaleido.

“So, the lyrics are a thank you to myself for getting the help I needed at the time, a finger to the armchair critics and the toxic people who didn’t help, and a willing surrender to the lunar power over us all. It’s about the feeling of freedom you get when you stop worrying so much about what everyone else thinks and learn to accept your weaknesses and discover your hidden strengths.”

'Living With The Moon' single https://ditto.fm/living_with_the_moon_karamelien

Earlier, the duo released the single 'Wait For Me' featuring piano, mixing and production by Chris Mars (A Flock of Seagulls, Damian Wilson) and two tracks produced by RIDE's Mark Gardener at OX4 Sound Studio - 'Lionhearts' and the epic 'Ascension Heights', which features a guitar sample from Léanie's late father Top Topham (original founding guitarist of The Yardbirds). This particular song also features bassist Mo Pleasure (Earth, Wind & Fire, Michael Jackson) and involved Paul Statham (Dido, Simple Minds, Kylie Minogue).

The 'Living With The Moon' single is out now, available on Spotify, Apple Music and Bandcamp. The full album will be released on October 27 and can already be pre-ordered on Bandcamp.

CREDITS
Written by Léanie Kaleido
Léanie Kaleido – vocals, piano, keys, tenor electric guitar
Mark Foster – guitars
Lee Pomeroy – bass
Produced by Ian Caple Recording
Mastered by Jon Astley

UK indiepop duo KARAMELIEN releases single 'Living With The Moon' - one step for stronger mental health - heralding debut album

August 31, 2023

'Living With The Moon' single https://ditto.fm/living_with_the_moon_karamelien

"I wrote this song after a year of counselling for depression and anxiety, linked to menopause and not helped by Covid-enforced inactivity and unease. On our final session, my amazing counsellor Jude, who I have kept in touch with, described the acceptance of good and bad days as ‘like living with the moon’. I told her that would make a great song title and promised her I’d write it – and I did!" says Léanie Kaleido.

“So, the lyrics are a thank you to myself for getting the help I needed at the time, a finger to the armchair critics and the toxic people who didn’t help, and a willing surrender to the lunar power over us all. It’s about the feeling of freedom you get when you stop worrying so much about what everyone else thinks and learn to accept your weaknesses and discover your hidden strengths.”

Earlier, the duo released the single 'Wait For Me' featuring piano, mixing and production by Chris Mars (A Flock of Seagulls, Damian Wilson) and two tracks produced by RIDE's Mark Gardener at OX4 Sound Studio - 'Lionhearts' and the epic 'Ascension Heights', which features a guitar sample from Léanie's late father Top Topham (original founding guitarist of The Yardbirds). This particular song also features bassist Mo Pleasure (Earth, Wind & Fire, Michael Jackson) and involved Paul Statham (Dido, Simple Minds, Kylie Minogue).

As of September 1, the 'Living With The Moon' single will be available on Spotify, Apple Music and Bandcamp. The full album will be released on October 27 and can already be pre-ordered on Bandcamp.

CREDITS
Written by Léanie Kaleido
Léanie Kaleido – vocals, piano, keys, tenor electric guitar
Mark Foster – guitars
Lee Pomeroy – bass
Produced by Ian Caple Recording
Mastered by Jon Astley

Renewal and rebirth: UK indiepop artist KARAMELIEN explores incarnation on 'Wait For Me' with animated video

February 21, 2023

''A true work of beauty and professionalism, taking you to your very own ascension heights" ~ Amplify Music Magazine

"Upbeat, a joyous folk-rock affair... bedecked in kaleidoscopic sixties sparkle, a slight splash of psychedelia and a whole tsunami of charm and grace" ~ Big Takeover Magazine

"A hug of soulful indie pop with groove as infectious as its melodic breath and lyrical smile is poetic... seductive captivation" ~ Ringermaster Review

With music being such a catalyst for renewal, recovery and rebirth, it it no wonder that the reverse relationship would also exist. Alas, UK indiepop artist Karamelienexplores the concept of reincarnation on her latest single 'Wait For Me', along with a new animated video.

The third single from Karamelien, this song is performed primarily by East Grinstead-based singer-songwriter Léanie Kaleido with piano, mixing and production by Chris Mars (A Flock of Seagulls, Damian Wilson).

Kaleido earlier released two Karamelien singles with long-time friend and guitarist Mark Foster and produced at OX4 Sound Studio by RIDE's Mark Gardener, who also guided her critically acclaimed 'How To Weigh A Whale Without A Scale' LP (2021).

'Ascension Heights' is a moving work of beauty, which samples the track of the same name by Léanie's late father Top Topham (original founding guitarist of The Yardbirds) and features bassist Mo Pleasure (Earth, Wind & Fire, Michael Jackson, Ray Charles) with guidance by Paul Statham (Dido, Simple Minds, Kylie Minogue, Natalie Imbruglia), while 'Lionhearts' is an uplifting track about love and unity in difficult times.

"Since the last release, I've been writing and producing from my studio at home. The inspiration for this song came through hearing the story of the relative of a dear friend of mine, who had experienced intense feelings of reincarnation, which were later backed up through historical research. It's a beautiful story and one that has been made into a book. 'Wait For Me' is inspired by the love story that accompanied this experience; a love that transcends life and death," says Léanie Kaleido.

"As a Buddhist, the idea of reincarnation is something that still baffles me, but I love the idea that it might be true. I think that, regardless of what you believe, the song speaks to anyone who has lost someone they loved very dearly. I wrote the lyrics with the intention that they could be the words of the person who has passed away, or the person they have left behind. It was important to me to let this song be used in a way that helps anyone struggling with love and loss. I hope it does."

While the timing is coincidental, this song on reincarnation is timely considering that Top Topham passed away on January 23rd after several years of battling dementia. When Top left the band to finish his art course, he was succeeded by Eric Clapton, then later Jeff Beck and finally Jimmy Page. Top continued to have a solo music career with Blues Horizon Records and played with Christine McVie and Peter Green.

“My father was a huge influence on me both musically and spiritually, and I will always be grateful to him for that. He was always so supportive of my own work and we often played music together. I sampled his beautiful instrumental track 'Ascension Heights' and wrote the lyrics as a tribute to his spirituality, which was a huge part of his life. All of his children miss his presence greatly.”

'Wait For Me' is out now, available on Spotify, Apple Music and Bandcamp, where 'Ascension Heights' and 'Lionhearts' can also be found.

CREDITS
Written by Léanie Kaleido
Vocals, keys, arrangements - Léanie Kaleido
Piano - Chris Mars
Mixing & production - Chris Mars
Mastered by LANDR

Keep up with Karamelian
Bandcamp | Twitter | YouTube | Facebook | Instagram | Spotify | Apple Music | Press contact

Keep up with Shameless Promotion PR
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UK indie pop artist Karamelien releases 'Wait For Me' single, a sonic exploration of incarnation

February 2, 2023

'A true work of beauty and professionalism, taking you to your very own ascension heights" ~ Amplify Music Magazine

"Upbeat, a joyous folk-rock affair... bedecked in kaleidoscopic sixties sparkle, a slight splash of psychedelia and a whole tsunami of charm and grace" ~ Big Takeover Magazine

"A hug of soulful indie pop with groove as infectious as its melodic breath and lyrical smile is poetic... seductive captivation" ~ Ringermaster Review

UK-based indie pop artist Karamelien presents 'Wait For Me', the third single from this East Grinstead-based project. This song is performed primarily through singer-songwriter Léanie Kaleido with piano, mixing and production by Chris Mars (A Flock of Seagulls, Damian Wilson).

'Wait For Me' https://karamelien.bandcamp.com/album/wait-for-me

Earlier, she released two Karamelien singles with long-time friend and guitarist Mark Foster. 'Lionhearts' is an uplifting track about love and unity in difficult times. 'Ascension Heights' is a moving work of beauty, featuring bassist Mo Pleasure (Earth, Wind & Fire, Michael Jackson, Ray Charles) with guidance by Paul Statham (Dido, Simple Minds, Kylie Minogue, Natalie Imbruglia). Both tracks were produced at OX4 Sound Studio by RIDE's Mark Gardener, who also guided her critically acclaimed 'How To Weigh A Whale Without A Scale' LP (2021).

"Since the last release, I've been writing and producing from my studio at home. The inspiration for this song came through hearing the story of the relative of a dear friend of mine, who had experienced intense feelings of reincarnation, which were later backed up through historical research. It's a beautiful story and one that has been made into a book. 'Wait For Me' is inspired by the love story that accompanied this experience; a love that transcends life and death," says Léanie Kaleido.

"As a Buddhist, the idea of reincarnation is something that still baffles me, but I love the idea that it might be true. I think that, regardless of what you believe, the song speaks to anyone who has lost someone they loved very dearly. I wrote the lyrics with the intention that they could be the words of the person who has passed away, or the person they have left behind. It was important to me to let this song be used in a way that helps anyone struggling with love and loss. I hope it does."

Though the timing of this single's release is purely coincidental, a song about reincarnation is a timely occurrence given that Léanie’s father Top Topham, the original and founding lead guitarist of seminal R&B group The Yardbirds, passed away on January 23rd after battling dementia for several years.

When Top left the band through parental pressure to finish his art course, he was succeeded by Eric Clapton, then later Jeff Beck and finally Jimmy Page, who went on to form Led Zeppelin. Top continued to have a solo music career with Blues Horizon Records and played with Christine McVie and Peter Green. He also worked as a fine artist and interior designer, but re-joined The Yardbirds for part of their 50th anniversary tour.

“My father was a huge influence on me both musically and spiritually, and I will always be grateful to him for that. He was always so supportive of my own work and we often played music together. I sampled his beautiful instrumental track 'Ascension Heights' and wrote the lyrics as a tribute to his spirituality, which was a huge part of his life. All of his children miss his presence greatly.”

'Wait For Me' will be released on February 4 on Spotify, Apple Music and Bandcamp, where 'Ascension Heights' and 'Lionhearts' are already available.

CREDITS
Written by Léanie Kaleido
Vocals, keys, arrangements - Léanie Kaleido
Piano - Chris Mars
Mixing & production - Chris Mars
Mastered by LANDR

Keep up with Karamelian
Bandcamp | Twitter | YouTube | Facebook | Instagram | Spotify | Apple Music | Press contact

Keep up with Shameless Promotion PR
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UK indie pop duo KARAMELIEN present 'Lionhearts', a song of determination and resilience

September 23, 2022

''One of the best singles so far in 2022, this is a true work of beauty and professionalism, taking you to your very own ascension heights" ~ Amplify Music Magazine

"Upbeat, a joyous folk-rock affair... bedecked in kaleidoscopic sixties sparkle, a slight splash of psychedelia and a whole tsunami of charm and grace" ~ Big Takeover Magazine

"A hug of soulful indie pop with groove as infectious as its melodic breath and lyrical smile is poetic... seductive captivation" ~ Ringermaster Review

UK-based indie pop duo Karamelien present their second single, called 'Lionhearts'. A sumptuous, uplifting track about love and unity in difficult times, this was produced by RIDE frontman Mark Gardener at OX4 Sound near Oxford. The accompanying video was created by Eveshka Ghost.

Karamelien makes soaring perfect pop. Based in East Grinstead, this duo is singer-songwriter Léanie Kaleido and guitarist Mark Foster - two long-time friends. The breezy heartened video, created by Eveshka Ghost, perfectly captures the elevated spirit of this song and its creators.

'Lionhearts was inspired by the past couple of years, during which we've all been getting so despondent, confronted by negativity in the news and social media. Covid and other diseases, war, climate change and so on. When actually, there is so much love in the world, good things being achieved, communities coming together, positive things happening," says Léanie Kaleido.

"A friend of mine suggested I write something to convey that and the song happened pretty quickly for me! The idea of the heart of a lion is something that has cropped up in my songs before and comes from my Buddhist practice, which uses that expression a lot and feels so empowering."

This project brings Léanie Kaleido's music into new exciting territory, following up her critically acclaimed 2021 album 'How To Weigh A Whale Without A Scale', also produced by Mark Gardener.

Earlier, Karamelien debuted with the grooved-out 'Ascension Heights' single, featuring a sample from the track of the same name by Top Topham', who is not only Kaleido's father but also The Yardbirds' original guitarist before Eric Claptonassumed his place. Only 15 at the time, he was pressured to leave the band to pursue Art studies. Eventually signed to Mike Vernon's Blue Horizon label as a solo artist, Topham again re-joined The Yardbirds a few years ago during their 50th anniversary tour.

A really moving Father / Daughter work of beauty, this song also features former Earth, Wind & Fire bassist Mo Pleasure, whose CV includes collaborations with Ray Charles, Michael Jackson and Janet Jackson. With guidance from Paul Statham (Dido, Simple Minds, Kylie Minogue, Sophie Ellis Bextor, Natalie Imbruglia) in sampling her father's track, Kaleido performed the pre-production work from her home studio.

'Lionhearts' and 'Ascension Heights' are out now and are available everywhere digitally, including Spotify, Apple Music and Bandcamp.

Keep up with Karamelian
Bandcamp | Twitter | YouTube | Facebook | Instagram | Spotify | Apple Music

Karamelien release debut single 'Ascension Heights', inspired by and featuring Yardbirds legend Top Topham

August 16, 2022

''One of the best singles so far in 2022, this is a true work of beauty and professionalism, taking you to your very own ascension heights" ~ Amplify Music Magazine

UK-based soulful indie pop duo Karamelien present their debut single 'Ascension Heights', a laid-back and groovy summer tune inspired by and featuring Top Topham's track of the same name. While technically a new project, this soaring perfect pop offering actually has a rich and touching backstory.

Based in East Grinstead, Karamelien is made up of singer-songwriter Léanie Kaleido and guitarist Mark Foster - two long-time friends. The breezy heartened video, created by Eveshka Ghost, perfectly captures the elevated spirit of this song and its creators.

'Ascension Heights' samples the track of the same name by Léanie's father Top Topham, the original founding guitarist of The Yardbirds before Eric Claptonassumed his place. After all, while he may have been ahead of his years musically, he was actually just 15 and his parents wanted him to finish his Art studies. Topham would eventually sign to Mike Vernon's Blue Horizon record label as a solo artist. Much later, he also re-joined The Yardbirds for part of their 50th anniversary tour, which took place several years ago.

Produced by RIDE frontman Mark Gardener at OX4 Sound near Oxford, this song features an appearance by a special guest bassist - Mo Pleasure, formerly of Earth, Wind & Fire, whose CV also includes performances with Ray Charles, Michael Jackson and Janet Jackson, among others.

"I met Mark Foster in my twenties through a mutual friend, when he started to play my songs live with me. My first album's title 'Karamelien' was made up as an anagram of both of our names’. I also like it as an artist name, so decided to go with it as Mark and I are now back playing together again," says Léanie Kaleido.

"We took my quirky but melodic songwriting style and introduced a more bass and beats-driven sound á la Morcheeba, Portishead, Massive Attack, etc. I'm just focusing on having fun with my songs now and drawing on my influences from both indie and hip hop, but always influenced by classic songwriters. such as Elton John and Joan Armatrading,"

Indeed, this project brings Léanie Kaleido's music into new exciting territory. More firmly in singer-songwriter territory was her 2021 critically acclaimed album 'How To Weigh A Whale Without A Scale', also produced by Mark Gardener at OX4 Sound.

"Ascension Heights' is "a really moving Father / Daughter work of beauty. A total pleasure and honour to work on... A hot tune for the hot summer for sure," says Mark Gardener.

With guidance from Paul Statham (Dido, Simple Minds, Kylie Minogue, Geri Halliwell, Emma Bunton, Sophie Ellis Bextor, Rachel Stevens, Natalie Imbruglia) in sampling her father's track, Kaleido performed the pre-production work on this song from home, saying this "was a great feeling and allowed me more room to experiment with hip-hop beats".

'Ascension Heights' is out now, available everywhere online, including Spotify, Apple Music and Bandcamp.

CREDITS
Written by Léanie Kaleido
Léanie Kaleido - vocals, piano, keys, programming, arrangements
Guitar and intro sample (with permission from Blue Horizon Records) from Top Topham's 'Ascension Heights'
Mark Foster - guitars
Mo Pleasure - bass
Produced by Mark Gardener at OX4 Sound
Additional production by Joolz Dunkley
Mastered by Turan Audio
Top Topham sample permitted by Blue Horizon Records.
Video and artist photography by Eveshka Ghost

Keep up with Karamelian
Bandcamp | Twitter | YouTube | Facebook | Instagram | Spotify | Apple Music

KARAMELIEN debuts single 'Ascension Heights' feat. YARDBIRDS legend TOP TOPHAM

August 1, 2022

'One of the best singles so far in 2022, this is a true work of beauty and professionalism, taking you to your very own ascension heights" ~ Amplify Music Magazine

Produced by RIDE frontman Mark Gardener at OX4 Sound near Oxford, this song features an appearance by a special guest bassist - Mo Pleasure, formerly of Earth, Wind & Fire, whose CV also includes performances with Ray Charles, Michael Jackson and Janet Jackson, among others.

"I met Mark Foster in my twenties through a mutual friend, when he started to play my songs live with me. My first album's title 'Karamelien' was made up as an anagram of both of our names’. I also like it as an artist name, so decided to go with it as Mark and I are now back playing together again," says Léanie Kaleido.

"We took my quirky but melodic songwriting style and introduced a more bass and beats-driven sound á la Morcheeba, Portishead, Massive Attack, etc. I'm just focusing on having fun with my songs now and drawing on my influences from both indie and hip hop, but always influenced by classic songwriters. such as Elton John and Joan Armatrading."

Indeed, this project brings Léanie Kaleido's music into new exciting territory. More firmly in singer-songwriter territory was her 2021 critically acclaimed album 'How To Weigh A Whale Without A Scale', also produced by Mark Gardener at OX4 Sound.

"Ascension Heights' is a really moving Father / Daughter work of beauty. A total pleasure and honour to work on... A hot tune for the hot summer for sure," says Mark Gardener.

With guidance from Paul Statham (Dido, Simple Minds, Kylie Minogue, Geri Halliwell, Emma Bunton, Sophie Ellis Bextor, Rachel Stevens, Natalie Imbruglia) in sampling her father's track, Kaleido performed the pre-production work on this song from home, saying this "was a great feeling and allowed me more room to experiment with hip-hop beats".

'Ascension Heights' is out now, available everywhere online, including Spotify, Apple Music and Bandcamp.

CREDITS
Written by Léanie Kaleido
Léanie Kaleido - vocals, piano, keys, programming, arrangements
Guitar and intro sample (with permission from Blue Horizon Records) from Top Topham's 'Ascension Heights'
Mark Foster - guitars
Mo Pleasure - bass
Recorded and produced by Mark Gardener at OX4 Sound
Additional production by Joolz Dunkley
Mastered by Turan Audio
Top Topham sample permitted by Blue Horizon Records.
Video and artist photography by Eveshka Ghost

Keep up with Karamelian
Bandcamp | Twitter | YouTube | Facebook | Instagram | Spotify | Apple Music