Estampie - New Album

The medevial band Band Estampie around Michael Popp and Sigrid Hausen have finally produced a new album. It's called Secrets of the North and concentrates intensely on Northern folkoristic elements.

In the Sonic Seducer article, Michael Popp talks about the demanding but rewarding time management with his many different projects, the most well known among them will probably be Qntal (and if I read correctly a new album is forthcoming THERE as well). He is (rightly) proud to be recognized as the high level musician he is, but still

he bemoans the difficulties in  maintaing an own artistic character in a maintreamed world, where most cd labels are interested in "safe and selling productions" instead of financing some more experimental music, which nobody can be sure of beforehand whether it will sell or not. Financial crises always hit the artists first and hard.

However, a most intriguing remark occurs right to  the end of the article where Popp explains that he is now done with the music of the North and is looking for challenging new projects. Thus, he finds the arcane melodies of the Balkan and especially of Macedonia  very interesting.

Now, I know that he knows at least one (half)Macedonian musician, who happens to be due to present a new album. This is pure speculation, remember, I am not a critic nor do I have very much inofficial background information, ... but the moment Michael Popp said Macedonian music, I thought Alexander Veljanov. Wish I knew whether they are on speaking terms again ...

Anyway, personally, I haven't bought the new CD  "Secrets of the North" yet, but I am sure to do as soon as I have settled in my new house.