Through my songs I want to capture the moments in between places. These may be beautiful, ugly and sensual.
EP Cover 'The Break'
If you are looking for a soundtrack to your Sunday afternoon then Helene Greenwood’s EP entitled The Break is perfect to set the mood. The EP is a mixture of soothing and tranquil compositions with poignant song writing and intricate melodies.
Helene Greenwood has been song writing for a total of six years and she originally started her music career as a contemporary composer studying at The Royal Academy. After the birth of her daughter in 2005 she was inspired to pursue more narrative based, lyrical music. She then completed a music degree from Royal Holloway. What I want to know is what took her so long to complete her first EP?
The Break is her debut EP and will be released officially on the 15th of July 2013 via Washaway records. However, if you visit her sound cloud page you can listen to the entire EP for free. Anita Wardell the Jazz singer of the year commented on Helene’s EP by saying it is ‘Melodic, ethereal and haunting. Helene sings with passion and heartfelt emotion.’
Helene Greenwood was inspired by Ella Fitzgerald and her studies in jazz singing, even though she is a Jazz singer she reminds me of the likes of Kate Voegle and Norah Jones. Quite simply - She sings honest words to honest music.
The Break EP is just a run-up to her full-length debut album Collectable You which is set to release in mid-October. Helene eases us into her world with the EP which is a collection of music which makes you glad that people still care about the simplicity of authentic song writing. The songs have a magical element of purity and love shining through the sweet melodies. The songs are like an arc of memories, sounds and experiences.
The lead track is titled Break In Break Out which is an adorable track with a hint of elegant grace, with lingering harmonies and an overlay of piano keys, it is the perfect Jazz/Pop ballad to get the EP started. The second track In Between the Days is a cover by The Cure; it is an amazing interpretation of a well-loved classic. We really get to hear the pure and soulful licks of a beautiful voice.
In the Sunshine is a beautiful and tender ballad accompanied by black-keyed piano melodies and haunting vocals. The chilling line ‘Pretty babies were born across the street to that lady who looks behind the shadow curtain’ shows the fragility behind her voice and the song writing ability she is capable of.
After the Fire, is darkly powerful with its raging drums and atmospheric baselines. I think this song is the most Jazz influenced on the EP and really shows the roots behind the artist’s influences. Fools Rush In is another covered track, originally performed by Johnny Mercer and Rube Bloom this is a heartfelt and soothing rendition.
Demonstrating a lighter and stripped back sound, The Break sets a perfect scene for new listeners to Helene’s intimate vocal. Pure and soulful her voice is certainly evocative of her direct influences along with the likes of Regina Spektor and Imogen Heap.
Musically Greenwood creates a canvas of contemporary, alternative pop with shades of folk and jazz. There is also a grand sense of childlike wonder in her music particularly in Break In Break Out.
In her own words she says that ‘Through my songs I want to capture the moments in between places. These may be beautiful, ugly and sensual.’
Helene is a unique singer who writes with influences from jazz, acoustic and alternative music, which together creates heartfelt and endearing sounds.
She has been blessed with a lovely voice and I am excited to hear more from her. Her new album is set to be released towards the end of this year and if it is anything like her EP, I’m sure I will enjoy listening to it.
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