Naomi Kimpenu — Prelude (Live at Abbey Road Studios)
Available to buy and stream now via The Orchard
East London singer, songwriter and producer Naomi Kimpenu has released a Live version of her debut EP Prelude, recorded at the historic Abbey Road Studios. Listen to the EP here.
Naomi's poetic lyricism in 'Prelude' led her to win the prestigious Rising Star accolade at the 2022 Ivor Novello Awards, giving the 23-year-old newcomer an exceptional start to her musical career.
The singers potent yet elegant vocals and use of lyricism is magnificently coupled with rich and enchanting musical accompaniments. 'Prelude' is packed with heartfelt, entrancing melodies, creating a classically ageless body of work documenting her city and world through a unique lens. Alongside her masterful songwriting, Naomi recorded, produced and mixed 'Prelude' in its entirety.
Mixing for Prelude (Live at Abbey Road Studios) is courtesy of GRAMMY® Certified Mix Engineer Aamir Yaqub (Rihanna) with Mastering courtesy of GRAMMY® Certified Mastering Engineer Shawn Joseph (Black Coffee) at Optimum Mastering.
Naomi declares, "The making of this EP was such a transformative experience. Writing, producing and recording the project really showed me what I'm capable of. It has been such a tremendous year for me as an artist. It's been filled with so many iconic moments.
From winning the Ivor Novello Rising Star Award to recording my EP Live at Abbey Road Studios. It feels like the beginning of my legacy. It's such an exciting time in my life. I'm signing my first ever publishing deal with Sony Music and it is such an incredible and surreal feeling having one of my lifelong dreams come true."
Naomi has received great support and plaudits from the likes of Jack Saunders and Sian Eleri on BBC Radio 1, Jess Iszatt on BBC Music Introducing and Dan Alani on Reprezent Radio. Watch Naomi's BBC Music Introducing in London Session here.
Overall, the inventive, spectacular ballad-like arrangements and heart-stirring vocals validate that Naomi is securing herself as one of the UK's buzziest newcomers and memorable storytellers. The installation of the live versions only makes the record more admirable and lovable.
The title of this record is not only straightforward but mirrors where Naomi is at in her impeccable career. This is not just the beginning, but a preview of the greatness to come.