New songs by Alicia Hansen
Produced by Jaron Freeman-Fox
Alicia Hansen, piano / wurlitzer / voice
Jaron Freeman-Fox, strings / guitar / bass / synth
Ben Brown, drums • Alan Mackie, bass
Eric Wright, cello • Anh Phung, flute
Recorded at Afterlife Studio, Vancouver
Mastered by David Travers-Smith
“An exceptional player and composer, singer Alicia Hansen is that rare talent who really doesn’t do the same thing twice. On her third album, Before You, she’s at her most orchestral and fleshed-out…. This material is so good you can imagine it being interpreted by others.” – Stuart Derdeyn, The Vancouver Sun
Eleven spellbinding tracks (that) feature exceptionally intelligent lyrics and cool winding melodies… The vocals are incredible… Meticulous modern pop…. mature and intriguing… haunting. – Babysue
Artistic, original and harmonically complex songs….. beautiful voice and vulnerability…. fresh, interesting, yet accessible songs. – The Whole Note
Alicia Hansen’s third studio album marks her arrival at a place of artistic confidence, authenticity and clarity. Produced by Polaris and Juno Award-winning Jesse Zubot, (Tanya Tagaq, Fond of Tigers), Before You is a blend of gut-wrenching grit, lyrical beauty and courageous vulnerability.
Before You magnifies the essence of Hansen’s “experimental pop that’s both listenable and challenging” (NOW Magazine). Unified by a calm candour but varying widely in tempo and tone, these eleven songs keep Hansen’s “distinctive and enticing vocal work” (Whole Note) at the forefront. Under Zubot’s masterful guidance, this album is accessible and impactful while accentuating the music’s “unique, excitingly original” identity (Foxy Digitalis).
Standing tall in Hansen’s new-found self-acceptance, Before You embraces a theme of individuality and a rejection of conventions dictated by the modern music industry. A lyric from “Fame & Glory” aptly states: “So I hope that you’re not waiting for me / to turn into something that I’ll never be.”
Featuring haunting strings from Vancouver improvisatory masters Peggy Lee on cello and Jesse Zubot on violin, Before You combines warm analog intimacy with an intriguing backdrop of electronics from Dixie’s Death Pool leader Lee Hutzulak. Juno Award-winning drummer Ben Brown (Pugs & Crows) and renowned bassist Darren Parris (Frazey Ford) complete the ensemble.
From the PJ Harvey-esque “I Disagree” to echoes of Portishead in “Tied to the Post,” the listener is taken through the wide gamut of Hansen’s influences. Electronic shimmers in “Before You” highlight layers of counterpoint reminiscent of Brad Mehldau, while the startling contrast of “Meristem” and “Battlestare” reveal Hansen’s roots in modern jazz, prog-rock and 20th-century classical music.
“It’s hard to understand how a talent as clear as Hansen’s hasn’t been caught up in a bidding war… this album sounds fantastic…” – Stuart Derdeyn, The Vancouver Sun
The latest collaboration between Alicia Hansen and her long-time musical partner, Juno-winning drummer Ben Brown, “Companion” features contributions by Vancouver all-stars Peggy Lee (Peggy Lee band, Waxwing, Standing Wave) on cello, David Sikula (Inhabitants, Carsick) on guitar and Russell Sholberg (Pugs and Crows, Airplane Trio) on bass/saw, with production by David Sikula (The Abramson Singers, Inhabitants), and engineering/mixing by Jesse Gander (The Doers, Buffalo Swan, Fond of Tigers). Ranging from driving, experimental instrumentals to intimate and lushly-layered songs, this album explores the piano-drums duo relationship in both its stripped down and richly embellished forms. Album art and design by Jay White.
We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada through the Department of Canadian Heritage (Canada Music Fund)
and of Canada’s Private Radio Broadcasters
“Her ethereal voice and classically informed arrangements come together in experimental pop that’s both listenable and challenging … It’s rare to come across a musician so fully formed yet so new to touring and recording.” – Benjamin Boles, Now
“Right down to its title, Alicia Hansen’s “Fractography” is complex and ambitious, searching for different ways of seeing and hearing… gorgeous choral vocal arrangements highlight Hansen’s remarkable voice, delicate yet strong and completely in control… This is excitingly individual work—Hansen’s artistic voice is accessible but unique, and musically challenging…” -Foxy Digitalis
Hansen’s debut solo album “Fractography” features by a quartet of Vancouver musicians that needs little introduction: Skye Brooks (Inhabitants, Fond of Tigers, Co-Pilots) on drums, Tommy Babin (Benzine, Gord Grdina trio, Switchbade Serenade) on bass, Peggy Lee (Peggy Lee band, Waxwing, Standing Wave) on cello; Ron Samworth (Dark Blue World, Talking Pictures, NOW Orchestra) on guitar. They are joined by producer Aaron Joyce (Jess Hill, Ghost to Kill Again, Spearbeak), and engineer Jesse Gander (The Doers, Buffalo Swan, Fond of Tigers). Album art and design by Jay White.
This recording was made possible through the assistance of the Canada Music Fund and the Music Section of the Canada Council for the Arts.
Recorded in 1.5 days in the studio, “Freighters” is an almost-live recording of Alicia Hansen and Ben Brown near the beginning of the duo’s formation. Uncluttered of studio magic or artful arrangements, these performances of Hansen’s early compositions are raw, poignant examples of the duo’s symbiotic relationship. Recorded, mixed and mastered by Justin Wong. Album art and design by Jay White.
